Accrington Stanley 2 Spennymoor United 3

STANLEY'S hopes of beating the drop were dealt a hammer blow after Martin Bowes' late winner settled this crucial relegation showdown.

The Reds simply could not afford to lose against one of the few sides they still had a realistic chance of catching and this crushing defeat now leaves them with a mountain to climb.

With just 11 games to play Wayne Harrison's men are 11 points from safety and a massive 14 points behind the Moors after Bowes dramatic intervention.

Stanley had started brightly enough and took the lead after only six minutes when an excellent in-swinging corner forced United defender Mark Hine into putting through his own goal.

But gradually United pushed the Reds back and front man Darren Vine levelled the scores on 24 minutes.

United went further ahead in bizarre circumstances when Stanley keeper Jamie Speare's attempted clearance struck Bowes and rebounded into an empty net.

The Reds brought on Martin James for Gareth Seddon at the start of the second half and it was James who levelled the scores on 72 minutes when his swirling corner curled past startled keeper David Campbell.

But as Stanley pressed forward in search of a winner they were caught out by Mark Hine's long throw on 84 minutes and Bowes poked the ball over Speare to put the away side back in front.

In a frantic finale United got men behind the ball as the Reds threw everything at them but they weathered the storm and held on for a crucial victory which leaves Stanley staring relegation firmly in the face.

Accrington Stanley are at home to Guiseley in the quarter-final of the UniBond League Challenge Cup tomorrow night (kick-off 7.30pm).

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