North West Counties League Division Two roundup

SATURDAY's top of the table clash at the Arbories was decided by a solitary goal.

Winsford full back Iain Stanton scored direct from a corner six minutes from time after Padiham had conceded possession from a corner at the opposite end less than a minute earlier.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Storks after working hard and creating some good chances.

Captain Lee Anderson should have given Padiham the lead earlier in the second half. Neil Almond made an explosive run into the visitors' 18-yard box and found Anderson with a pinpoint cross. But, with the goal at his mercy, Anderson's shot angled sideways back across the face of goal and into the hands of a relieved Winsford keeper Matthew Conkie.

Both sides knew the importance of this fixture and from a spectator's point of view the game was always on a knife-edge.

Stuart Telfer, Daniel Stubberfield and Almond all went close for Padiham and Nigel Booth and Will Hurley had good efforts for Winsford saved by Padiham keeper Barton.

A PAUL Barratt hat-trick inspired NELSON to twice come back from behind to beat Norton United 4-3 at home.

The visitors took the lead through Woolley on 56 minutes but Barratt struck a minute later before adding a second on 59 minutes.

Killeen equalised on 71 minutes before Woolley restored Norton's lead with his second.

Barratt completed his hat-trick to get Nelson back on level terms before Neil Chapman struck the winner in the final minute.

HIGH-FLYING Flixton came from behind to beat DARWEN 2-1 at the Anchor Ground.

Andrew Pilkington put the hosts in front before Anthony Hargreaves equalised for the Manchester side - all within the first 11 minutes.

Steve Tobin hit the winner for Flixton from the penalty spot 16 minutes from time.