CREWE found an in-form defence and a typically well-organised John Coleman side too tough an assignment at the Wham Stadium tonight.

Colby Bishop polished off a close range header after Will Jaaskelainen pushed Matt Butcher's free-kick up across his goalmouth to settle a tight affair just before the hour mark (59).

Crewe didn't do themselves justice in the final third, but Stanley are a difficult proposition to break down as they chalked up a sixth successive clean sheet.

The win also extended Coleman's side's unbeaten run to six games as they moved to within a point of the top six. Crewe, meanwhile, dropped down to 14th and will be glad of the welcome distraction of the FA Cup when they travel to Cheltenham on Saturday.

They had to do without leading scorer Mikael Mandron for the second game running and it was telling as they offered little threat.

The fit-again Chris Porter, preferred to Offrande Zanzala, wasted a decent chance in the first half when he placed a header straight at Stanley keeper Toby Savin.

Oli Finney's deflected cross glanced the top of the bar during a goalless first half. But Stanley moved up a gear after the break and Bishop went close with two headers before he sunk the rebound from Butcher's deflected free kick for the only goal of the game.

Boss Dave Artell used four of the permitted five subs in the closing stages, including drafting on Zanzala and Callum Ainley, but all to no avail.