COLNE made it four straight wins and extended their unbeaten run to six as they got the better of Padiham in a hard-fought derby battle.

It was the Storks' first defeat in five and a keenly contested derby.

Both sides had chances to open the scoring in the first minute of play, Paul Fildes of Colne and Ian Pilkington of Padiham being denied by high calibre saves from Kirk Marsden and Ross Baxter.

And game didn't stay goalless for long as Colne's nippy forward line caused Padiham's defensive line-up all sorts of problems in the opening quarter of an hour.

John Lister's men were 2-0 up within the first 15 minutes.

Striker Paul Fildes hit the opener after six minutes when he turned home Graham Gore's cross.

Then George Craddock got the second with an almost carbon copy effort.

Eventually Padiham got themselves into the pace of the game and should have pulled a goal back when Robbie Smith got free with only the keeper to beat but unfortunately the young midfield player couldn't find the chip shot he needed to beat Ross Baxter and the chance went begging.

But a minute before the interval Padiham reduced the deficit when Ian Pilkington bagged his 14th of the season with a header from close range after good build-up work by Forrest and Parker.

In the second half the home side pressed hard for an equaliser and forced three excellent saves from keeper Ross Baxter.

First he made a brilliant save from a 50th minute curling shot from Pilkington and a minute later he made an equally talented save to prevent Craig Wilkinson from scoring.

Gary Walton missed a great chance to add to Colne's lead in the 62nd minute firing wide when well positioned to score.

In the 78th minute Colne made sure of all three points when Craddock broke through and kept his nerve to bag his second.

PADIHAM...1 COLNE...3