ON PAPER this was two points lost by the North West Counties League Second Division leaders Padiham, but in reality it might prove a point gained as they found themselves 2-0 behind and down to 10 men following the dismissal of Scott Derbyshire after just half an hour.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Padiham had plenty of early possession, but always looked vulnerable to the quick break by the visitors.

Dave Glynn exploited this kind of opportunity to give Chadderton a 1-0 lead on 15 minutes.

Chadderton's lead was doubled on 28 minutes when a foul by Derbyshire in the home side's 18 yard box led to a penalty which Matt Landregan converted, while Derbyshire was given his marching orders for what was classed as a professional foul.

Padiham looked in real trouble at that stage but had a break 10 minutes before half-time when Chadderton's captain Lee Spratt headed into his own net just before the interval.

Padiham battled hard to get back into the game in the second half but missed chance after chance before Stuart Telfer converted a Mark Westhead cross in the 72nd minute to resuce a point for the Storks on a day they will quickly want to forget.