REDUCED to ten men after only 15 minutes of the first half when John Harrison was sent off for comments made to the linesman, Padiham showed real strength of character on Saturday when they outplayed their Merseyside opponents for the rest of the game to record a fully deserved 4-0 victory.
Marshalled well at the back by Carl Parker, Padiham took the lead when Anthony McCluskey headed them in front in the 41st minute.
Within 90 seconds of the second half kicking off the Storks went further ahead when Ian Pilkington reacted first to a long clearance by Andrew Kelly and cleverly lobbed Bottle's keeper Anthony Molloy to make it 2-0.
Pilkington added another 10 minutes later after persistence by McCluskey allowed him to win possession and set up his striking partner to knock in his 13th goal of the season.
Five minutes from time Anthony McCluskey concluded the scoring when he won a 50-50 challenge with the home keeper and converted the loose ball.
RESULT: BOOTLE...0 PADIHAM...4
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