ACCRINGTON Stanley made it through to the quarter-finals of the UniBond League Cup with victory over First Division leaders Radcliffe Borough.

Simon Carden took his tally to 14 goals for the season with a second half brace which secured the Reds top spot in Group Four - and a place in the league's prestigious cup competition.

It will be a big boost for the Reds who were knocked out of the FA Umbro Trophy on penalties by Altrincham last week but now harbour hopes of silverware in this competition.

And Stanley's goal scoring feats must be pleasing boss John Coleman.

The Reds were knocked back on Tuesday after making a £10,000 bid for Burscough's Lee McEvilly. They have said they will not up the price for the 19-year-old Liverpool hotshot who is hoping to attract the attention of a League club.

But since they made the bid, the current Stanley strikeforce have fired home eight goals in two games.

Paul Mullin scored one last night to take his tally to three in the last two games - and make it 20 for the season, a great start for the former Radcliffe striker.

Lutel James is not far behind with 17 - but the former Bury man had to sit out last night's game and will miss Saturday's trip to Hucknall and the big game at the Crown Ground against leaders Burton a week on Saturday after he started a three match ban following a dismissal earlier in the season.

In his absence, Carden was pushed further forward and has now started finding the back of the net.

Carden, another former Radcliffe player, had been going through a barren spell but has now scored three in his last two games - and 14 goals so far this season will be pleasing for the ex-Stockport player.

But it did look slightly shakey for Stanley after Radcliffe made the early breakthrough.

Lee Kissock fired the Bury side into the lead in the 49th minute.

Mullin equalised on 58 minutes, with Carden asking to go off after taking a slight knock.

But he stayed on the pitch and it was luckily for Stanley he did as he then popped up to score a brace in quick succession firing home in the 66th and 70th minute to settle the tie in Stanley's favour.

Midfielder Dave Robinson, who has been struggling with an injury, came on for the last half an hour which must have been pleasing for the Stanley management as they look to continue their good run. The Reds have lost just once in the last ten games - and that was on penalties - and are third in the Premier League.

RESULT: ACCRINGTON STANLEY...3 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...1