PADIHAM served up a pre-Christmas treat for their supporters at the Arbories on Saturday with a 4-1 victory over derby rivals Nelson.

On a horrendous day weather-wise, the Storks management got their tactics right as Nelson were out-battled in midfield and out-gunned when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net.

Jamie Edmondson opened the scoring out of the blue after only three minutes. Lurking 20 yards out, his shot beat Nelson goalkeeper Billy Carrington for pace and placement to give Padiham a 1-0 lead.

Neither side dominated as the first half progressed, although Paul Barrett missed an excellent chance to equalise for Nelson three minutes from half-time when he shot over.

This proved very costly as a minute later Padiham made it 2-0 when Darren Fullard played in Martyn Thompson, and from his lay-off Anthony McCluskey fired in what must be Padiham's goal of the season from 25 yards.

After the interval Padiham looked likely to increase their lead as Damien Ingham shot wide then Ian Whittaker had a close range shot well saved.

McCluskey missed by inches with an effort just over and Carl Parker forced a save from Carrington, but on 81 minutes the goal that ended Nelson's resistance finally arrived.

A full length of the pitch break ended with a flick on by sub Ian Pilkington was carried forward by Whittaker and he chipped the ball in to make it 3-0.

Whittaker then added a second seven minutes later when he rounded Carrington to make it 4-0.

Nelson had the last word, however when Barrett scored a consolation goal from close range with virtually the last kick of the game.

PADIHAM...4

NELSON...1