Accrington Stanley...5

BRADFORD PA...1

STANLEY moved up to third place in the UniBond Premier Division with an emphatic victory over struggling Bradford Park Avenue in front of 674 at the Crown Ground.

The win - as Stanley continue the form that saw them clinch the club of the month award for November - means the Reds have lost just once in their last six league games and, despite playing more games, have the points on the board in the battle at the top.

The victory was never in doubt after Lutel James took his tally to 17 for the season when he fired home from the penalty spot after five minutes.

After losing in a penalty shoot-out in the FA Umbro Trophy at Altrincham midweek the Stanley fans must have wondered if the former Bury player could keep his cool - but he had no problem converting the penalty.

Paul Mullin made it two on 25 minutes with a header after James' shot was deflected to him before Bradford pulled a goal back on 32 minutes with a Jason Maxwell header into the top corner.

Simon Carden took his own tally for the season to 12 when he fired home number three for Stanley - a curling shot from inside the penalty area - just two minutes before the interval.

And Mullin registered his 19th goal of the season when he again connected with a James cross on 72 minutes.

The goal of the game came from former Rovers trainee Steve Flitcroft who scored a spectacular 18-yard strike to make it five for the Reds and make it an enjoyable day for John Coleman's side.

Midfielder David Robinson was on the bench as he battles back from injury and may come into the side for Wednesday's UniBond League Cup clash at home to Radcliffe Borough.

Stanley have had their £10,000 offer for Burscough striker Lee McEvilly accepted.

The 19-year-old is in red hot form and his arrival will give Reds boss Coleman a number of strike options with Mullin and James flying at the moment.

Accrington Stanley Youth side are in action tonight at home to Kendal Town tonight, kick off 7.30pm.