ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman left leading goalscorer Paul Mullin on the bench with the Reds starting with a 4-5-1 formation that was so effective in beating Emley 3-0 in the UniBond Premier League.

Emley central defender Andy Wilson had two chances early on to give the home side the lead and Stanley's first attempt on goal came from midfielder David Robinson who picked the ball up in his own half and struck a 35-yard shot over the bar.

Emley had more possession and chances but Stanley kept plugging away and a Paul Howarth free kick from the right was headed just past the post by Jonathan Smith.

Stanley's Russell Payne won the ball on the halfway line and ran through the middle, then out to the left where he fired a diagonal shot inches wide of the target.

A Speare goal kick found Payne on the left and the Stanley man went past Emley captain Nicholson then squared the ball to Carden whose shot was charged down by right back Crossley only for Robinson to fire the rebound wide from a good position.

Emley pushed forward and Day wasted an excellent chance shooting wide from 15 yards after Miles Thorpe had expertly set him up. A fine move involving Payne, James, Robinson and Flitcroft saw James shoot wide of the post.

A good move by Emley saw Day fire in a powerful 18 yard drive that Speare did well to tip over the bar.

In the second half, Stanley won a corner and Flitcroft found the head of Smith but the big central defender could not direct the ball on goal.

James brought an excellent save from Cuss which fell to Flitcroft who picked his spot and shot but Wilson kicked the ball off the line.

A diagonal shot from the right penetrated the Stanley defence and found Rory Prendergast on the left and his perfect cross found Norbury unmarked at the far post the centre forward shooting home from six yards.

Norbury was lucky to be on the field after appearing to punch Smith after a seemingly harmless challenge early on.

Stanley hit back and from a Howarth pass Payne shot wide of the post. Howarth then lost possession to Prendergast and the Emley man's cross found Norbury who brought the save of the match from Speare as the Stanley man dived to his left to stop the goalbound shot.

Mullin replaced Mark Brennan in the 69th minute. Payne had a header held by Cuss then Carden had a shot deflected for a corner, Flitcroft's corner saw Payne jump over the ball and Carden shoot from 18 yards.

Stanley's best chance came with time running out when Flitcroft floated a high ball to the far post under the bar, Cuss got his hands to the ball pushing it onto the post and with Mullin and James not quite quick enough to react, central defender Paul David hammered the ball upfield bringing the cup tie to a close.

RESULT: EMLEY...1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY...0