Stephen Lowe column

This week we had two away fixtures and, given the current form of the team when not hampered by the home jinx this season, we were all looking forward to another couple of away victories.

The trip to Preston on Tuesday night went extremely well, and not even the dreadful weather could dampen the spirits of the travelling Stanley fans as the Stanley boys demolished a PNE side with more than a splattering of first team players in the Lancashire Cup.

Indeed, the Preston side featured one ex-Premiership and Stanley old boy, and someone I would love to see make a return, Brett Ormerod.

I am sure Brett would be welcomed back with open arms by all and he would become an instant Stanley Legend (again!) This particular return may take a few seasons, but a much speedier return this week saw Lee McEvilly pull the red shirt back on after his loan spell at Rochdale.

Lee has bagged a few goals whilst he has been away and has helped Dale climb to five points above Stanley, let's hope he has found his old form and regained his fitness whilst he has been away.

The best news of the season was also unveiled this week as Paul Mullin decided to stay with the Reds and not take the cash and go to Shrewsbury In these days of money hungry footballers, it is a pure delight to know that, in Paul, we have a loyal player who is dedicated to the club and someone for whom we must surely start the plans for a testimonial season soon.

It was off to the depths of south Manchester this weekend and the hope of more wonder goals against Stockport.

Alas, this was not to be and we returned home empty handed.

I am taking the defeat quite well as it goes, maybe it is because I am confident that we will secure the six victories required to keep our League status.

Or perhaps it's just because we have beaten Preston away 4-0 in the cup, who can say?