PADIHAM 1 SQUIRES GATE 0

PADIHAM made it four NWCL Division Two wins in a row on Saturday when they beat promotion hopefuls Squires Gate in an entertaining game at the Arbories.

Craig Wilkinson gave the Storks the lead in the eighth minute when a left wing run and cross by full back Darren Fullard was met perfectly by the Padiham striker to make it 1-0.

Three minutes later Ian Pilkington looked "odds on" to increase Padiham's lead when he rounded the Squires Gate keeper but he shot into the side netting from a wide angle.

Squires Gate hit back with a shot against the Storks crossbar and later on Andy Fisher had a goal-bound shot cleared off the goal line by Ian Whittaker after keeper Ian Hartley had failed to hold on to a cross.

Ian Pilkington went close for Padiham when he headed wide a Shaun Kendall corner and then shot wide again when he broke clear on goal.

Just before half time Ian Hartley kept Padiham's lead intact with a fine save from a Steve Longworth shot.

In the second half the Storks defended their lead throughout and although the game remained competitive, very few chances were created before the final whistle.

Padiham have no midweek game this week but take on Darwen at the Arbories on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Padiham Reserves play Nelson Reserves at the Arbories on Wednesday night, kick off 6pm.