A SECOND half penalty from Lutel James put the seal on an excellent Stanley performance as they took three points from an awkward trip to struggling Bishop Auckland.
However, Accrington could have had a far more comfortable margin of victory but for the exploits of Bishops goalkeeper David Campbell who pulled off a string of saves as Stanley swept forward in the second half.
Having won the toss Stanley, on their last visit to Kingsway before the Bishops head for a new home, claimed the advantage of attacking down the slope in the second period but found themselves caught up in a first half battle.
On his debut Danny Thorpe, standing in for the injured Jamie Speare, impressed and made a good early save.
On 23 minutes Stanley managed to break the deadlock.
The Bishops conceded a free-kick 25 yards out and despite the best efforts of Campbell, who got a hand to the shot, Accrington skipper Peter Cavanagh ripped a superb shot into the top right-hand corner of the net for the opening goal.
The visitors' lead was short-lived.
They conceded a free-kick in a similar position from the one which they scored and, though the initial shot was blocked by the Reds wall, the ball broke for Bishops striker Brian Rowe who gave Thorpe no chance.
The second period proved a different affair with Accrington pushing forward at every opportunity and the Bishops were forced to defend.
It led to them giving away a string of free-kicks and on 58 minutes Stanley finally broke through when Paul Mullin was fouled in the area by Paul Proudlock, until recently the manager of Gateshead, and James stepped up to tuck away the penalty.
James was unlucky not to add to his tally after netting his 23rd goal of the season but the Bishops hung on in hope of gaining a vital equaliser.
For Stanley there were a number of plusses but in the first half the form of defensive duo Jonathan Smith and Steve Halford was outstanding and midfielder Paul Burns was a pillar of strength in midfield.
The victory was Stanley's fifth on the trot.
BISHOP AUCKLAND...1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY...2
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