STEVEN Gerrard was a surprise spectator at the Fraser Eagle Stadium but even the Liverpool and England international would have struggled to force his way into the Stanley squad.

The last time Wrexham travelled north to face Stanley was 46 years ago when the Welshmen recorded a 3-0 win.

But there was to be no repeat performance of that result as Stanley, rejuvenated from their weekend defeat at Notts County, produced a fantastic performance, their best of the campaign so far.

The visitors were riding high and confident, going into the match unbeaten.

Few would have given Stanley much hope but no die-hard Reds fan in their wildest dreams could have expected the thumping their side handed out courtesy of goals from Paul Mullin, a brace from Gary Roberts and strikes from Peter Cavanagh and Ian Craney - their biggest win since handing out a 6-0 hammering to Leigh RMI back in December 2004.

Gone were the first half mistakes that littered Stanley's early performances and gave manager John Coleman sleepless nights.

And in their place was the first clean sheet of the season, which would have had Coley grinning like a Cheshire cat and sleeping like a baby.

The Reds manager made two changes from Saturday's loss, bringing back captain Cavanagh, who returned to the defence after suspension, in place of Danny Ventre.

And Rommy Boco was relegated to the bench in place of Sean Doherty.

It was the visitors who made the better start to the match and Mark Jones had a shot deflected wide.

Set-pieces have been the downfall for Stanley this season but there were no worries as Shaun Pejic headed high over the bar.

At the other end Ian Craney had a shot from 25 yards,which flew just inches wide.

Stanley have conceded in the first quarter of every league match this season except one and supporters were nervously looking at their watches as the half hour approached.

But not only did that landmark pass without any problems, Stanley took the lead, with just minutes to go before the interval.

A long punt upfield was knocked down by Mullin to Doherty who shot from the edge of the area. Ingham could only parry his effort and Mullin was on hand to knock in the opener.

Things got even better for the Reds just minutes after the break when Craney doubled their lead direct from a corner.

And the 2000 or so home fans were sent into delerium soon after courtesy of another long kick up the field from Dunbavin.

Roberts took advantage of a Pejic mistake and netted in the bottom corner.

Captain Cavanagh rubber stamped an excellent performance with a cracking free kick, which Gerrard would have been proud of.

From the centre of the pitch his strike wasn't even spotted by Ingham until he was picking the ball out of the net.

But even four wasn't enough. Number five was just around the corner and it was another peach for Roberts who rounded Ingham and stroked the ball home.

Amazingly Stanley could and should have added a sixth goal when substitute Andrew Mangan was put clear through on goal from another Dunbavin pass.

But the composure that team mate Roberts showed with his two strikes deserted him and Ingham saved well down at his feet.

And so Coleman and co had to settle with just five.