COLNE moved up to joint third in the NWCL Division Two table after a hard-fought victory against Stand Athletic.

A solitary George Craddock goal was enough to defeat last season's champions, much to the delight of player manager John Lister.

"We just keep bouncing back," he said. "It was a real test of character for the lads after our last gasp defeat on Saturday, all we need to do now is get a bit of a run together and make sure we maintain our position at the top end of the table."

Colne's defence was again the dominant force, soaking up the visitor's pressure and restricting shots on goal.

The goal that turned out to be the winner arrived on 18 minutes and began with new signing Leon O'Neill.

The recent capture from Great Harwood laid the ball into Jonathan Irvine who held up play magnificently, fed Carl Barton, who in turn found Craddock in the box who tucked the ball away.

Despite having the lion's share of possession the Haslingden side struggled to break the home steam down, and when they did, returning Colne keeper Ross Baxter proved unbeatable.

At the other end Craddock and Irvine saw chances go begging, yet according to Lister the result was just about right.

"It would have been cruel on Stand if we'd sneaked another one," he added.

"In this league a will to win can be enough to get results, and we had bags of it tonight."

COLNE...1

STAND ATHLETIC...0