Former Dundee United boss McNamara took over at struggling York in midweek and, although his side offered a threat, they could not stop in-form Stanley.

The Reds took the lead on 29 minutes with a neat passing move when Piero Mingoia found Josh Windass and he spread the ball to the left to Sean McConville. The winger had a go from a tight angle and it hit the inside of the post before bouncing into the back of the net.

York equalised on 34 minutes when Bryn Morris' cross found highly-rated striker Vadaine Oliver and his shot squirmed under ex-York keeper Jason Mooney, with the striker following it up to make sure.

But two minutes later Matt Crooks scored a superb solo effort to put the hosts back in front, charging forward onto Windass' pass and firing low into the bottom of the net.

The Reds increased their lead on 48 minutes when a push from Femi Ilesanmi on Billy Kee gave Stanley a penalty and Windass dinked it home for his ninth goal of the campaign.

They looked secure until the 91st minute when Michael Coulson headed home at the far post from Rhys Turner's cross to make it 3-2, but it was just a consolation.