PAUL Mullin scored a brace to take Accrington Stanley's run to seven wins in eight games as they bid for a top four finish in the UniBond Premier Division.

The striker struck in the 34th and 85th minute to take his tally for the season to 29 goals - by far a season's best for the Reds hitman.

But the real hero of the game against relegation-threatened Bamber Bridge was Simon Carden, who had an outstanding game creating Mullin's first in terrific fashion.

The midfielder-cum-striker made a tricky run weaving his way past a number of Bridge players before sending in an inch-perfect cross and Mullin could make no mistake from six yards out.

With just the one goal advantage, the Reds should have extended their lead to settle the nerves of the 603 Bank Holiday crowd but just couldn't finish Bridge off.

And because of this the strugglers - who could be consigned to First Division football this week - always stood a chance of getting back into it.

Before Mullin's first however, Stanley should could have grabbed an earlier advantage.

Barrie Hart's ninth minute effort forced a good save from Bridge goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock and then a Steve Flitcroft free kick by-passed Mullin but landed at the feet of defender Jonathan Smith who whacked the ball against the crossbar.

Stanley striker Lutel James should then have done better when Steve Halford's powerful headed clearance sent the former Bury man through but Sharrock again pushed away his effort with one hand.

Then up popped Mullin to finally make one of their chances count and they should have extended it three minutes later when a good move involving Mullin, Carden and James ended with Paul Burns' effort producing a point blank save from the Bridge keeper.

On the stroke of half-time, Carden's swirling shot was pushed out by Sharrock while minutes after both Smith and Mullin tried with headers but couldn't find the second.

Despite possession, Bridge never tested Reds keeper Jamie Speare, who was returning after a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.

Substitute Chris Nelianya - rumoured to be watched by a couple of league clubs - caused a few problems with his pace but apart from having to come out to deny the striker on a couple of occasions, Speare did not have an effort to save.

As Stanley continued their wave of attacks, James unselfishly set up Mullin on the hour but his shot was wide and he then found Carden at the far post but his effort, while sliding in with Paul Lin, was cleared.

There was always the danger that Bridge could snatch one until Hart's great ball from the left wing found Mullin five yards out and his flick header beat Sharrock and made it a safe two.

With the Reds struggling for injuries, manager John Coleman and his assistant Jimmy Bell brought themselves on with two minutes to spare.

The Stanley chief tried his luck with a couple of free kicks without reward and, to add to the Preston side's misery, they had skipper Terry Bowker dismissed for a second bookable offence in injury time. The win keeps Stanley in fourth place, trailing second placed Vauxhall by two points although the Reds have played more games.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY...2

BAMBER BRIDGE...0