A STUNNING second half strike from teenager Gareth Seddon capped a fine display by Stanley as they cruised into the quarter finals of the UniBond League Challenge Cup, writes ANDY NEILD.

The fast improving Reds were full value for this morale-boosting victory over their relegation rivals after posing the greater threat in front of goal despite the tricky conditions.

But the script may have been different had Jamie Speare not pulled off a stunning second minute save to deny the Magpies' Colin Potts a certain goal with a blistering shot.

That seemed to inspire the home side who took control with the wind at their backs in the first half.

Only a spectacular double save from Simon Marsh kept out efforts from his own defender Darren Quick and Billy O'Callaghan's follow-up. And when Marsh was eventually beaten, O'Callaghan's effort grazed the outside of the upright. But the Reds pressure paid off five minutes before half time when Mike Langhorn's searching ball found O'Callaghan, who expertly rounded Ian Leather before slotting his shot under Marsh.

The Magpies forced the pace in a 15 minute spell after the break but were clinically hit on the break with 20 minutes left.

O'Callaghan sent Seddon away after robbing Potts and the young striker turned Gary Dullaghan inside out before beating Marsh with an exquisite chip from outside the box.

Seddon and O'Callaghan both missed golden chances to extend Stanley's lead as Wayne Harrison's men comfortably booked a home meeting with Guiseley in the next round.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.