MIKE Flynn was basking in the glory of lifting the LDV Vans Trophy less than 8 months ago.

So perhaps it was fitting that the former Blackpool defender paved the way for his new club to make progress in the competition last night.

Flynn, who only signed for Accrington Stanley at the end of last week, became an instant hit with the fans when his well placed header handed the Reds a 27th minute lead in this Northern Section first round tie.

Then, after Dele Adebola equalised within two minutes, powerhouse Lee McEvilly bustled the ball over the line at the death to cap a determined display and allow around 300 travelling Stanley supporters to savour the prospect of another cup run.

In last season's FA Cup, Reds fans were treated some memorable games against Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Colchester - all Football League opponents.

So League One side Bradford City should have known not to take the game lightly.

With targetman Dele Adebola up front alongside the lively Neil Roberts, and veteran striker Dean Windass providing an attacking threat from midfield, Colin Todd's Bantams did anything but.

That's why, although this competition lacks the prestige of the FA Cup, Stanley can take great delight in dispatching of one of the strongest sides involved in the LDV Vans Trophy.

It is four years since Bradford last won a game in any cup competition, home or away - a statistic they were hoping to consign to the history books last night.

But the steely resilience which served Stanley so well last season was in abundance at Valley Parade and, if Bradford were going to end that barren run, the Reds were certainly going to make them work for it.

The pressure was well and truly on cash-strapped City, who have been in freefall through the divisions - from the Premiership to League One - since 2000.

And when Ged Brannan frustrated Roberts by blocking his early shot, Jon Kennedy confidently claimed a curling free kick and McEvilly got the better of Ben Muirhead in a sprint down the right flank, Bradford began to fade.

Paul Cook and Ian Craney combined well from a corner to allow Brannan and Flynn to be a threat in the six-yard box before Craney flashed a shot narrowly wide from Paul Mullin's lay-off.

McEvilly then got the better of Jason Gavin and Lee Crooks, but was denied by goalkeeper Paul Henderson.

A well-worked free kick allowed Craney another chance while, at the other end, only Windass and Roberts had threatened. Roberts was denied by Flynn's block, and all Windass could muster were a couple of long range efforts that were always rising.

So when Stanley took the lead on 26 minutes, it was no more than they deserved. The goal had been coming and Flynn took advantage of some defensive frailties to make his mark.

Cook swung the ball over to the far post, Flynn raced away from his marker to meet it then guide a powerful header into the bottom left hand corner.

But a lapse in concentration allowed Bradford back into the game too soon.

Just as the boo-boys were clearing their throats, Adebola silenced them by breaking through the heart of the Stanley defence and clipping a shot over Kennedy for his 100th career goal.

Bradford ended the half strongly and would have led at the break had it not been for Kennedy's amazing save to deny Adebola a second.

The strapping striker beat Howarth and Cook on the left of the box, drove towards goal but somehow Kennedy got a strong arm to his shot to deny a certain goal.

As chances were missed by both sides in the second half, the threat of extra time became a real prospect.

Craney had a left-foot drive held by Henderson, McEvilly had a well-struck volley saved then Howarth nodded away Gavin's header on the line.

Craney fired a low drive wide, before Bradford enjoyed a reasonable spell of pressure with substitute Tom Penford forcing a save from Kennedy while a Windass effort dipped just over the bar.

Kennedy was on guard again, this time to thwart Roberts after Flynn sliced a clearance 10 yards out.

But the introduction of fresh legs gave Stanley another gear.

Defender Robbie Williams replaced Cook in midfield, while Jonathan Smith came on for Haworth at the back, and both played their part in the Reds' late, late show.

Craney got closer, but not close enough. However, he typically played his part in the winner.

Mullin, who worked tirelessly all night, got to the byeline and pulled the ball back to the six-yard box. Craney helped it on and McEvilly pounced to force the ball past Henderson.

It seemed to take an age to cross the line, but good things come to those who wait.