STAND climbed into second place with their fourth straight win against high flying Alsager in the NWCL Division Two.

Going into this match, Alsager were unbeaten and hadn't conceded a goal but Stand, after promotion from the Manchester Premier League last season, are now finding their feet in Counties football.

Athletic opened the scoring after 15 minutes, Micky Batholomew pounced on a poor defensive clearance and sent the ball home. Standgot their second through a free kick from Steve Stott on the half hour that picked out Dave Channon's head and he thumped the ball into the net.

Alsager got back in it when Paul Ireland slotted the ball home just before half-time but Stand stood firm after the break.

RESULT: ALSAGER...1 STAND ATH...2

Brothers Chris and Mark Denham will be staying at Ewood Bridge despite the fact NWCL Division One side Ramsbottom United had placed seven days notice on them. Assistant boss Nick Woods said: "Manager Nick Davis has no intention of releasing any players and no player has inidicated any willingness to leave the club so that ends the matter."