ACCRINGTON Stanley thrashed leaders Barnet to move into second spot in the Conference and cement themselves as one of the serious play-off contenders.

The Reds made it six wins on the trot as they gave the pacesetters no chance and the Barnet jitters have now set in as they have lost three on the trot.

Manager John Coleman admitted some of Stanley's play was breathtaking.

"It was a magnificent performance. Barnet are a good side but I think going forward we are as good as anyone in the league. We chased everything down, scored some great goals and played some great football."

Stanley took the lead in the 12th minute when dangerman Lee McEvilly fired home from a tight angle for his 13th goal of the campaign.

There were plenty more home chances with Bees keeper Scott Tynan, who had a trial with Stanley pre season, keeping them at bay almost single handedly. But he couldn't stop Rory Prendergast volleying home a second on 55 minutes with a superb finish to a Chris Butler pass.

Barnet striker Liam Hatch then has an effort pushed onto the bar by Paul Crichton as they strived to get back in it but, as they pressed, it all went wrong for them.

McEvilly broke and, in a neat move with Paul Mullin, Mullin finished well for number three on 83 minutes and then Steve Jagielka burst into the area, had his shot saved but sub Ian Craney was there to tap home the fourth a minute later.

Barnet got a consolation through the league's top scorer Guiliano Grazioli but they were completely outplayed.

Stanley now face fellow play-off chasers Halifax on Tuesday night.

"In my eyes that is a bigger game because Barnet will win the league but Halifax are one of the big challenges for a play-off place. That is three points gone now and we have got to go into the Halifax game with the same attitude," added Coleman.