PADIHAM slipped to their fourth successive defeat after conceding three goals in an 11 minute spell in this NWCL Division Two fixture.

Atherton went ahead through Mike Rhead on the half hour, Barry Massay made it two just three minutes later and Mark Fitton all but sealed the victory on 41 minutes.

Ian Pilkington grabbed one back for the Storks on the hour -- his fifth of the season.

This gave Graham Howarth's men a lifeline but it wasn't to be as the Storks slipped further away from the leading pack.

Rams game rearranged

RAMSBOTTOM'S local derby against Clitheroe in the Worthington Challenge Trophy first round was postponed at the Riverside last night and has been rescheduled for next Monday.

In the second round of the same competition, Darwen will take on Prescot next Tuesday.

Bacup's long running sage against Skelmersdale in the Marsden Challenge Trophy has been rescheduled to go ahead next Tuesday at West View, weather permitting, and then, if not, next Thursday at Skelmersdale.

And Rossendale's NWCL Division One game at Fleetwood also fell victim to the weather.