PADIHAM beat Bacup 2-1 to progress into the second round of the Worthington Trophy and extend their unbeaten start to 10 games.

However, this was not an easy passage and Bacup had only themselves to blame for not taking advantage of a blistering start which saw them dominate possession and shots on goal.

They felt they were unfortunate to have a Paul Fildes effort chalked off for offside and then Padiham scored with their first real attack of the match after a right wing break and cross by Martyn Thompson was volleyed in at the back post by John Harrison in the 25th minute.

Craig Williamson doubled the Storks' advantage seven minutes from half time when a right sided corner was only partially cleared and the young defender tapped in a Carl Parker pass to make it 2-0.

Bacup pulled a goal back in the 57th minute through Ian McLelland with a header from a free kick, but the visitors failed to draw level even though the Storks had to replace defenders Carl Parker and Darren Fullard because of injuries.

Peters said: "Missed chances, a striker that failed to get in where it hurt and two bad refereeing decisions cost us the game. Apart from that, our play up to the box was first class."

Padiham now face First Division side Glossop North End in the second round of the competition.

PADIHAM...2 BACUP...1

BACUP have signed Stand's top scorer Paul Thompson.