STANLEY progressed into the next round of the FA Cup despite another indifferent performance - but with better finishing from the home side it could have been a different story.

The Reds now face UniBond Premier Division outfit Whitby Town in a second round clash at The Crown Ground land they'll need to step up a gear if they want to continue their interest in the competition.

John Coleman's men started off brightly enough and Jonathan Smith could have scored in the opening minute but his goalbound header was cleared off the line by David Hagan and Jay Flannery's follow up was tipped over the crossbar by keeper James Platten.

Consett squandered the first of several scoring chances on 24 minutes when Mark Outterside shot wide with only keeper Jamie Speare to beat.

However, Gary Williams gave Stanley the lead on the half hour mark. Mark Shirley's corner was flicked on by Flannery and Williams powered home a header from close-range for his second goal since joining Stanley.

Three minutes later Speare came to Stanley's rescue again, blocking a shot from Chris Hodgson with his legs. And the home side wasted another scoring chance on 52 minutes when Kieran McGinley blasted over the crossbar after more good work by the dangerous Hodgson.

But Stanley almost increased their lead three minutes later but Steve Carragher's shot was blocked by Platten. Speare was called on to make another excellent save from Outterside before Stanley took control in the last 20 minutes.

And they finally wrapped it up with seven minutes left when Williams burst down the left and pulled the ball back to Carragher who made no mistake.

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