A BRAVE last quarter fight-back by Stanley was thwarted by man of the match Andy Shaw's early second half goal to leave the Crown Ground side in an even more precarious position anchored at the foot of the UniBond Premier League.

Stanley had Paul Heavey and the on-loan Steve Longworth alongside Billy O'Callaghan in an attempt to take all three points from this UniBond League match.

Although the Reds had more possession than Bishop Auckland in the first half, they could not put the ball where it matters, in the net. Bishop Auckland goalkeeper Steve Jones played for an hour of the game with a leg injury and came out for the second half with it heavily strapped.

Bishop's substitute Phil Ross came on for David Gallagher on 45 minutes and when the Reds lost the ball in midfield in the 48th minute, the ball was ferried out right to him and he slotted it to man of the match Shaw who scored from close in to give Bishop's the lead.

Stanley only came alive in the last 15 minutes and although they won corner after corner, they could not score.

O'Callaghan did get the ball in the net, but when he headed in Mike Langhorn's deadball kick he was adjudged to have fouled Shaw and the effort was disallowed leaving Stanley pointless.

Stanley are at home to Guiseley on Thursday in the fourth round of the UniBond League Cup (kick-off 7.30pm).

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