STANLEY'S league form continued to stutter - but they will be up for the cup tomorrow night.

The Reds are in the hunt for their second piece of silverware as they look to come back from a 1-0 deficit and win the UniBond League Cup against Bradford Park Avenue at the Crown Ground.

The Lancashire Marsden Cup winners didn't warm-up for the game with the best of results - but their minds will be fully focussed for the victory tomorrow night.

Whitby needed the win to avoid the drop - although Reds boss John Coleman will be mad as his side slipped out of the top six placing and now lie seventh in the UniBond Premier Division.

Accrington started strongly and they could have taken the lead in the 16th minute when Barrie Hart's deep free-kick from the left found Lutel James unmarked at the far post but the striker was off-target heading over the bar.

Two minutes later Stanley had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down on 18 minutes after James appeared to be shoved in the back in the area.

Whitby broke away straight after the incident with a good run by Graeme Williams, who crossed from the left for Craig Skelton to slot home to hand the home side the lead.

Ten minutes later Whitby doubled their advantage after Stanley centre-back Steve Halford was judged to have fouled Graham Robinson in the box.

Stanley keeper Jamie Speare saved the initial shot but could only knock the ball into the path of penalty taker Craig Veart who found the back of the net at the second attempt.

Stanley came out fighting in the second half and did have several good chances.

It was a niggly contest throughout with players from both sides booked but on the hour Accrington assistant-manager Jimmy Bell fell foul of the referee who, after consultation with his assistant, sent him from the dug out after showing him a red card.

On 75 minutes Stanley almost equalised when Whitby keeper Naisbett did well to tip over Andy Proctor's speculative over the shoulder kick to concede the corner.

The Seasiders' nerves started to fray with only seven minutes remaining a poor clearance from Rand dropped kindly for James to drive home Stanley's goal.

However, in the end Whitby did not need the three points.

Unknown to the Blues their closest rivals for the third bottom place, Colwyn Bay, had taken a 5-0 pasting.

Worringly from Stanley's point of view was that Bay's drubbing came at the hands of Bradford Park Avenue - who look like they are readuy for tomorrow night's decider.

WHITBY TOWN...2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY...1