PADIHAM 1 KIDSGROVE ATH 3

PADIHAM exited the Worthington Challenge Trophy competition on Saturday following their 3-1 home defeat by NWCFL First Division opponents Kidsgrove Athletic.

Overall the visitors did just enough to deserve their quarter-final place whilst the Storks proved once again that on their day they are a very difficult side to beat.

In the first half Padiham competed on equal terms with their Staffordshire opponents and the goalless half time scoreline reflected just how even their game had been.

Darren Twigg headed Kidsgrove into a 55th minute lead, but this lasted less than a minute as the Storks equalised almost immediately when a John Harrison cross was helped on by Ian Pilkington and converted by Ian Whittaker.

Kidsgrove restored their lead in the 69th minute when Craig Walklett outpaced the home side defence and made no mistakes with his shot on goal, and after both sides had created further goal scoring opportunities the tie was made secure for the visitors when Andy Kinsey scored direct from a free kick in the 92nd minute.