AGAINST lower league opposition PNE expected an easy victory but they were forced to work hard for their win.

They took an early lead as Fiona Dransfield slotted in a cross from Dawn Holland.

She nearly made in two five minutes later, but she could only blast the ball over from six yards out.

Mandy Cummings had a rasping shot well saved as PNE kept up the pressure. Mandy Cummings had a free kick tipped over the bar, and Jenny Cottam had a shot from distance that didn't trouble the keeper.

Stanley had a couple of ventures forward before Dransfield lashed the ball into the net on 43 minutes for her second goal and her fourth in two matches.

On 47 minutes Alison Taberner followed in on Sarah Parker's shot, which had bounced back off the post, to coolly slot it home. PNE continued to pile on the pressure, and Sarah Parker headed wide on 55 minutes from an excellent cross.

On 75 minutes, against the run of play, Accrington broke through and hit the post, their one and only clear opportunity of the game.

PNE continued to bombard the Accrington goal but couldn't get the ball into the net.

On Sunday PNE are at home (Bamber Bridge FC) to Newsham Ladies.

PNE Women's FC 3 Accrington Stanley 0