KENDAL TOWN have been fined £100 by the Westmoreland FA for 'poaching' Padiham's one-time star striker Lee Chambers.

It is the biggest fine meted out by a County FA for an illegal approach.

Chambers moved to the UniBond first division side earlier in the season from the North West Counties second division club.

But Padiham argued that Kendal had been guilty of an illegal approach - because they had not given the Storks seven days' notice of their intention to speak to the player.

Padiham secretary Alan Smith said: "It really means that clubs can do what they want because if that is the biggest fine ever handed out it is not exactly high on the FA's priorities.

"It would be nice if it was clamped down on but I don't think it is going to be.

"It is not even as if the wronged club gets the money. The County FA keep the fine - the club should get some compensation instead.

"But it is dead and buried now as far as we are concerned."

Padiham travel to Norton United tomorrow with Jamie Edmonson suspended and Darren Forrest doubtful with an Achilles injury.

Storks manager Graham Howarth has been on the search for new players but has failed in a bid to land Harrogate's Paul Stansfield on loan.

"I wouldn't have minded getting him here but since I approached them about him our injury situation has got much better," he said.