ACCRINGTON Stanley smashed four goals past bad-tempered Gainsborough in a stunning 12-minute blitz to set up only their sixth league win of the season.
The first half onslaught by Wayne Harrison's men left high-flying Trinity totally shellshocked and their tempers frayed.
Paul Heavey set the ball rolling on 15 minutes when he lashed the ball home from close range after Trinity keeper Steve Cherry dropped Mike Langhorn's inswinging corner. Five minutes later Heavey turned provider by heading on a long kick from Jamie Speare and Billy O'Callaghan controlled the ball on the edge of the area, took before taking two paces forward and slamming a low shot into the bottom corner.
The Reds hot-shot striker then netted his 25th goal of the season on 24 minutes with a lethal volley from 15 yards after Heavey had nodded down Paul Tomlinson's free kick. And the Stanley onslaught was completed three minutes later when a long throw from Steve Baines was headed in off the post by Mark Howard.
Only Trinity keeper Cherry prevented the rampant Reds from increasing their lead with a string of fine saves and the frustration got too much for some of the home side. Ged Walsh replaced captain Tomlinson at half time after one or two Trinity players lost their heads and several Stanley players, including Tomlinson, O'Callaghan and Baines were injured in off the ball incidents.
Trinity turned up the heat in the second half but found Speare in inspired form as he and his defence held firm to retain the four goal advantage in what was superb performance.
"Maybe we are getting a bit of continuity at last," said Harrison. "The attitude was great. That 12 minutes was a purple patch that you only get once a season but the second half performance was just as good because we defended really well."
Stanley play Emley in a rearranged league game tomorrow night at the Crown Ground, kick off 7.30pm.
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