STAND Athletic hit five past struggling Castleton Gabriels to stay top of NWCL Division Two.

Chris Denham opened the scoring for the Haslingden-based side, converting a Micky Bartholomew cross.

The visitors held the lead for just 14 minutes when a Shaun Cryer shot deflected past Tommy Allen off an unfortunate Dave Channon.

Stand hit a purple patch in the second half, hitting four in 15 minutes.

The outstanding Bartholomew restored the lead on 55 minutes and extended it on the hour.

Steve Carroll get the fourth and Danny Norton the fifth.

Cryer pulled one back for Castleton and within a minute had made it 5-3.

The home side looked in reach of a spectacular comeback with five minutes to go when they were awarded a penalty, but it was saved by Allen.

RESULT: CASTLETON...3 STAND...5