IT proved to be a frustrating afternoon for leaders Padiham on Saturday as they went down 3-2 at home to Flixton and had influential midfield player Stuart Telfer sent off late in the game for a second yellow card.

The Storks went behind after nine minutes when Karl Marginson scored direct from a free kick.

Padiham went close to drawing level when Matt Morris broke free on 15 minutes but crashed his shot against the angle.

Their debutant goalkeeper Stuart Barton then made good saves to deny Simon Carroll and Marginson before half-time, while Telfer had a goal-bound shot blocked at the opposite end.

Padiham eventually drew level on 70 minutes when substitute Mark Westhead headed in a Neil Almond shot, which had rebounded to him off the crossbar.

However, seven minutes later, Padiham paid the penalty for losing possession on the edge of the Flixton box when Tony Carroll broke free and crossed for Mike Almond to score from close range.

Tony Carroll then added a third for Flixton two minutes from time before Padiham pulled a consolation goal back through Almond in injury time.