PADIHAM 3 ASHTON TOWN 2

PADIHAM secured a much-needed NWCL Division Two victory defeating Ashton Town on a heavy Arbories pitch.

The Storks, who had a blistering start to the season after promotion last season, had started to stutter, losing three on the bounce.

And it was the league campaign which has most worried manager Graham Howarth -- as Padiham struggled to get games in because of the bad weather.

But victory over struggling Ashton will boost Howarth as they look to make an impression at the top half of the table.

The game was never a classic and after the Storks missed two early first half chances it was Ashton who grew in confidence to take the lead in the 29th minute through Phil Johnson.

Padiham revived their fortunes in the second half when leading goalscorer Lee Chambers equalised in the 50th minute with his 22nd goal of the season.

Anthony McCluskey went close with two headers and a scorching shot before finally finding the back of the net with a well placed header from a Shaun Kendall corner 10 minutes from time.

Kendall extended the Storks lead in the 85th minute with a goal direct from a free kick and with two minutes remaining Ashton's Paul Anderton made it a tense finish when he too scored direct from a free kick.

Padiham's win is a boost ahead of next Saturday's Worthington Challenge home cup tie against NWCFL Division One side Kidsgrove Athletic ko 2pm.