JAMES and Mullin, Mullin and James. Which ever way you bill them this is a double act that is currently more famous in Accrington than Morecambe and Wise.

Strikers Lutel James and Paul Mullin, who helped themselves to over 60 goals between them as the Reds won promotion to the Conference last season, were both on target as Stanley played their part in removing the Bulls from the top of the Nationwide Conference last night.

Chester, who were winners against Morecambe, have climbed to the summit, but if Stanley continue to produce performances like this one then they themselves can aspire to such dizzy heights.

Accrington could have been excused a poor performance with this game coming just a little over 50 hours after the end of their historic 1-0 FA Cup first round win over Huddersfield Town, but there was no 'After the Lord Mayor's show'.

In fact they easily surpassed their display against the Terriers and were totally in control for the majority of a game against the Conference's early season pace-setters.

FA Cup goal hero Andy Gouck was given a starting place in a five-man midfield in preference to Dean Calcutt, while Stanley's only other change saw Jonathan Smith return to the centre of defence as Steve Halford could not shake off a knock sustained on Sunday.

Packing the centre of the field certainly did the trick for Stanley as Hereford playmaker Jamie Pitman found himself swamped by the presence of Gouck, Paul Cook and Andy Procter, with the latter having a superb game with many positive runs and passes.

But Stanley had to be patient as they were restricted to just half chances in the early stages, with a Smith header being directed at Bulls keeper Matt Baker and then a Mullin near post effort from a low Rory Prendergast cross was deflected wide for a corner.

Hereford were clearly feeling the pressure and Tamika Mkandawire, on loan from West Brom, was booked for a clumsy challenge as he was stretched by the lively Prendergast.

Something had to give and four minutes before half-time the goal duly arrived. It owed a lot to the persistence of Mullin, who kept a ball in play on the left touchline and found Prendergast, whose perfect delivery across the six yard box was met by James and he fired his shot past Baker.

The second half was not as one-sided as Hereford striker Rob Purdie began to spring Stanley's offside trap, but on the two occasions he got clean through keeper Jon Kennedy was out quickly to stifle the danger.

Again Stanley just needed to be patient and they got the goal to wrap things up 12 minutes from time when James managed to twist and turn past a couple of defenders and when his attempt at a shot was smothered. Who was there to pick up the loose ball and score, but his partner Mullin.

Maybe the men behind the selection of the music at the Interlink Express Stadium could play the old Morecambe and Wise theme tune 'Bring Me Sunshine' when James and Mullin take the field because they generally do.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY 2

James 41, Mullin 78

HEREFORD UNITED 0

Interlink Express Stadium

Att: 1,824

STANLEY

Jon Kennedy: Few saves to make...7

Peter Cavanagh: Plenty of commitment...6

Jonathan Smith: Strong at the back...6

Robbie Williams: Cool, calm and collected...7

Steve Hollis: Very tidy display...6

Lutel James: Posed problems...7

Andy Procter: Eager and industrious...9

Andy Gouck: Strong starter...6

Paul Cook: A big influence...7

Rory Prendergast: Full of tricks...7

Paul Mullin: Lone star up front...7

Subs: Gordon Armstrong (for Gouck 64 mins) 6. Not used: Jamie Speare, John Durnin, Justin Jackson, Dean Calcutt.

HEREFORD

Matt Baker: No chance with goals...7

Ryan Green: Steady defender...6

Tony James: A good leader...7

Tamika Mkandawire: A touch reckless...5 Michael Rose: Good going forward...6

Danny Williams: Eager runner...6

Jamie Pitman: Tried to pull the strings...8

Jordan King: Willing worker...6

Paul Parry: Failed to find space...6

Rob Purdie: The main threat...6

Steve Guinan: How has he got all those goals?...5

Subs: David Brown (for King 68 mins) 6. Not used: Ben Scott, Richard Teasdale, Danny Carey-Bertram, Dean Craven.