DURING the week, Macclesfield YTS trainee Shaun Brisley cleans boots and sweeps the changing rooms as part of his apprentice duties.

But on Saturday, the first two goals of his fledgling career swept Stanley away on a wet and windy day at Moss Rose.

His contribution condemned Stanley to their fourth consecutive defeat and left the Reds facing the real prospect of being dragged into the relegation mire.

And, to top it off, Aswad Thomas is looking at a suspension for a stupid sending off on a miserable afternoon in Cheshire.

But the sun has been shining on Keith Alexander's Silkmen and after their fourth win in seven games, Macclesfield are quickly getting themselves out of trouble.

And they were worth their win as Stanley were again their worst enemies at Moss Rose.

Striker Paul Mullin returned to the starting line-up after missing the last two games with a calf strain, and with the wind at their backs in the first half, John Coleman's side would have hoped to have taken full advantage.

But it was Macclesfield who played the better football, opting to keep the ball on the deck to minimise the effect of the wind.

After a relatively event-free first 20 minutes, Brisley, who grew up 400 yards from Moss Rose, lifted the game out of the gloom.

And, again, it was some rank poor defending that aided Stanley's downfall.

The Reds defence failed to deal with a cross from Danny Thomas and the ball somehow reached 17-year-old Brisley at the back post.

And his scuffed shot bobbled in off the upright to give him his first goal for the club.

Stanley huffed and puffed, but it was with their first incisive attack that they drew level.

Shaun Whalley robbed Jamie Tolley in midfield and played a neat ball into Ian Craney and he coolly slammed a left-foot drive from 12 yards past Macclesfield keeper Jon Brain.

But Alexander's side are built of stronger stuff these days and a sublime piece of skill almost put the home side in front.

Thomas "nut-megged" Andy Todd wide on the left before driving into the box.

His low shot brought a stunning save from Arthur and Stanley scrambled the ball behind.

But more wind-assisted calamitous defending put the Stanley goal under threat before the home side re-took the lead six minutes before half-time.

And once more, Stanley had an assist in Macclesfield's goal.

The Reds allowed Tolley's corner to be flicked on to the back post and Brisley was there again to head home the second goal of his career.

Half-time brought blessed relief, but as the rain continued to fall hard on that humdrum town, Stanley were almost 3-1 down just a couple of minutes after the re-start.

Francis Green dispossessed Leam Richardson on the halfway line and played a superb ball into Thomas but, with Arthur advancing, he curled his shot just beyond the post.

Then, moments later, Thomas did find the target, but also found Arthur's yellow jersey in the way.

And the blue wave continued as Tolley sliced a shot high over the bar before Green was denied a sitter.

Terry Dunfield's flick-on found Thomas rampaging down the left and his cross evaded the defenders, but Arthur somehow got a finger on the ball to touch it away from the Silkman, who was ready to tap it in from inches out.

The shock of almost going two behind spurred Stanley onto the offensive without ever really threatening Brain's goal.

Then, just as they looked as if they could really pressure the home side, a moment of madness saw Stanley reduced to 10-men, and with the guilty party, effectively went their chances of getting a point.

Thomas and Brisley went in for a tackle on the touchline. The Stanley man took exception to the challenge and threw the ball in the youngster's face.

And the referee had no hesitation in throwing the red card in the direction of the Stanley midfielder.

Thomas had the jeers of the sparse crowd ringing in his ears as he made his way to the dressing room, as well as a rocket or two from his team-mates.

From that point, the game wound its way to its inevitable conclusion, despite Stanley bossing proceedings with a man fewer.

But Stanley have nobody but themselves to blame.

Inconsistency and lack of concentration in defence are the demons they have been battling all season.

And another defeat on Friday night against Dagenham could be a real dagger through the heart of Accrington's Football League status.