STANLEY produced their best performance of the season to destroy a Stalybridge Celtic side currently lying sixth in the UniBond League Premier Division.

All thre goals came from a devastating first half onslaught.

Accrington manager John Coleman recalled striker Paul Heavey for his first start of the season in the first group stage of the UniBond Challenge Cup.

And Heavey was immediately in the thick of the action in this league cup tie as the Reds took a fourth minute lead.

Steve Hollis crossed from the left and Heavey flicked the ball on to skipper Jake Flannery, who scored at the far post.

Celtic almost equalised on 12 minutes when Kevin Parr got his head to an Andy Scott cross but Jamie Speare made a fine save.

Stanley's second goal came on 20 minutes when Heavey intercepted the ball and saw his fierce shot parried by keeper Gary Ingham but Gary Williams raced in to net his fifth goal in seven games.

Ingham then did well to save from Steve Carragher after 35 minutes and four minutes later a pinpoint ball by Jonathan Smith found Williams, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.

An excellent first half performance was completed in the 42nd minute when Hollis struck a beautiful 25-yard free kick which went around the Celtic wall and into the net.

After the break, good work by Carragher set up a chance for Williams, who shot just wide of the goal.

There was a flurry of late Stalybridge chances but they could find no way past Speare, and in the 89th minute he came out and blocked a shot by substitute Tony Sullivan.

A minute later Dave Higgins saw his header saved and in stoppage time Speare pulled off a brilliant diving stop to deny Winfield Steele a late consolation goal.

This win will put Stanley in good heart for Saturday's FA Cup-tie at home to Whitby Town.

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