STANLEY 0

BARROW 0

JONATHAN Smith admitted that his testimonial game was the perfect way to close the chapter on his Accrington Stanley career.

The popular central defender received a rapturous reception from the 322-strong crowd as he made his way onto the pitch in a Stanley shirt for the final time, carrying two-year-old daughter Holly - mascot for the day - in his arms.

And it was perhaps appropriate that the match between his old club and new side Barrow ended in a stalemate, with Smith at the heart of the defence for both sides in either half.

"It was a great occasion - everything I wanted it to be - and people have said some really nice things," said Smith, who started the first half for Stanley then was brought on as a second half substitute for Lee Turnbull's Cumbrians.

"It was a bit strange walking out in a Stanley shirt and then coming off in a Barrow shirt.

"When I came on in the second half I started marking Barrow players because I've been so used to playing in a red shirt, especially at home.

"But it has been a great day and 0-0 was probably a fair result."

It was an emotional occasion for Stanley fans, for whom Smith has become a true favourite since signing from neighbours Great Harwood in the summer of 1999.

But they will have treasured the moment the 6ft 3ins central defender lined up alongside Robbie Williams - now the club's longest serving player - at the heart of the rearguard for the last time.

Smith was typically commanding and made numerous runs forward in an effort to grab a goal from set pieces, as has often been his trademark in the past.

While Stanley, aided by Smith, had the best of the first half chances, the defender was also made to work by his new team-mates, particularly pacy strikers Neil Tarrant and Gavin Knight.

Mike Flynn replaced Smith in the Stanley line-up at the start of the second half before the star of the show made his second appearance, this time for the visitors, as he replaced James Cotterill - beginning a new chapter in his non-league career.

Former Stanley midfielder Steve Flitcroft, who has joined Smith at Holker Street, was brought off on 54 minutes as Turnbull made a host of changes.

And in a twist of fate, Smith was sent on to mark Stanley striker Paul Mullin, who he had played alongside at Darwen as the duo embarked on their non-league careers before being reunited at Accrington in 2000.

Barrow boss Turnbull will surely have been encouraged by the esteem in which Smith is held by Stanley fans, but even more so by the quick reactions he displayed to make a goal-line clearance from Flynn's bullet header.

Reds boss Coleman and his assistant Jimmy Bell couldn't resist a run-out for the final 12 minutes, with Coleman eager to prove he still had the Midas touch in front of goal.

But although Coleman went close with a header, Smith knew his ex-manager's gameplan too well.

"I knew he would be looking for a penalty all the time so the main thing was not to dive in. But it was nice for John and Jimmy to come on," smiled Smith, whose name was chanted from the terraces on the final whistle.

He added: "I'd like to thank everyone for all their support and making it a special day."