STANLEY suffered their second defeat in four days as they went down by a single goal to Emley at the Crown Ground.

After battling through for 49 minutes with just nine men in their 1-0 defeat at Bradford Park Avenue in the first leg of the UniBond League Challenge Cup final on Wednesday night the Reds looked a little jaded.

They struggled to break down Emley, who packed their defence after taking a 13th minute lead through Lincoln Adams.

The dismissal of Emley's Nicky Wood did little to help the home side's plight.

Accrington were allowed plenty of space in midfield but hit a defensive wall as they approached the last third.

Stanley did have several good chances, striker Simon Carden and winger Russell Payne working hard to create chances, and Accrington could have come away with at least a point had it not been for some outstanding goalkeeping from Paul Cuss.

Tonight Stanley, still third in the UniBond Premier League, travel to Worksop Town.

Stanley are just one place ahead of their opponents with equal points, though Worksop have two games in hand.

The two sides met at the Crown Ground back in October with Stanley putting five past the visitors without reply.

Steve Hollis and Mark Brennan are the only confirmed absentees with long term injuries.

However, leading goalscorer Paul Mullin, who has hit 31 goals this season, may be rested after picking up a knock against Emley.

He is set to be replaced by Lutel James, who returns after serving a three-match ban.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY...0 EMLEY...1