PADIHAM missed out on a great opportunity to extend their lead at the top of theNWCL Division Two table when they went down 2-1 away to Maine Road.

In what can only be described as a subdued performance, Padiham showed nothing of the qualities associated with a team chasing promotion and went behind in the 13th minute of the game when Neil Chappell broke free and slotted a shot past Kirk Marsden with Padiham's defence completely exposed.

Carl Howarth had Padiham's one and only first half shot in anger in the 32nd minute and just before the half time whistle, Steve Shaughnessy gave Padiham a scare when his shot needed a fingertip save by Marsden to prevent Maine Road going two up. After the break Padiham got back on level terms when Dean Stowe intercepted a bad back pass and slotted home the equaliser with only eight minutes of the second half gone.

However, Padiham fell behind again seven minutes later when Robbie Smith lost possession on the right and from the resultant cross Steve Shaughnessy headed Maine Road 2-1 up.

Late substitutes gave Padiham some impetus and the Storks could count themselves unlucky that they weren't given a penalty in the last minute instead the referee awarded a free kick right on the edge of the 18 yard box which came to nothing leaving Padiham with a disappointing 2-1 defeat and the Storks in need of a positive result at Holker tomorrow night to put their promotion hopes back on course.

MAINE ROAD...2

PADIHAM...1