STAND had to work hard for this victory, courtesy of goals from the Denham brothers.

Colne struggled last season and look set to struggle again after their performance in a game that was about as attractive as their Holt House pitch and ground.

It is hard to believe that this venue once hosted some mighty matches when the Dynamoes played here, but a bumpy and rough surface never allowed Stand to produce the kind of football they are capable of.

The visitors could not have got a better helping hand, when, only three minutes into the game, Colne's centre-forward, Matt Aspinall, disputed referee Chappell's decision that he had commited an offence rather more abusively than he should have done and Colne were reduced to 10 men.

Stand began to create chances, Alan Dixon and Chris Denham coming close, but, on 15 minutes, Steve Davis fouled Scott Givens on the edge of his penalty box, Givens struck his free-kick hard at Stand's wall, the ball hit Dixon's arm and a harsh penalty was awarded. Colne's Chris Ingham made sure from the spot. Stand's response was quick. Chris Denham went close with an overhead kick and brother Mark struck a post, but after good approach work from Stuart Telfer down the right, he picked out Mark Denham who scored from close range.

This should have signalled the end for Colne, but ten minutes later Davis was caught in possession in the box, Colne forward John Stone robbed the ball off him and steered a shot past Tommy Allen in the Stand goal.

In the second half Stand went hunting an early equaliser and while having the best chances, a goal justy wouldn't come.

Then, 15 minutes into the half, Chris Denham's mazy run into the box saw him jink past four defenders and as room and time seemed to be running out, he somehow managed to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner for a stunning goal.

Now Stand pulled the stops out for a winner and Colne were hanging on. With ten minutes left Micky Bartholomew was adjudged to have been held back in the penalty box and Mr Chappell pointed to the spot.

Chris Denham accepted the challenge and scored low again into the corner. It wasn't the best three points Stand will claim this season, but a valuable one.

For considering the excellent midweek win over unbeaten Chadderton, Colne's Holt House pitch could have undone the good work.

STAND ATHLETIC: Allen, Anderson, Dixon, Davis, Channon, Telfer, Stott, Denham C, Bartholomew, Carroll, Denham M, Subs: Davis (for Channon), Norton (for Denham).

STAND kept up their fine start to the campaign with a crushing 7-1 win at Daisy Hill on Tuesday night.

The visitors were 6-1 up at half-time and eased up somewhat in the second period.

The scoring was shared out on the night with Steve Carroll, Neil Dawes, Steve Davis, Steve Stott, Chris Denham, Dave Channon and Micky Bartholomew all on target.

This Saturday Stand travel again, this time to Alsager, while the reserves go to Skelmersdale United tonight.

There will be action at Ewood Bridge on Tuesday night when Blackpool Mechanics are the visitors in a NWCFL Division Two match (kick-off 7.45pm).