Blackpool Mechanics 4 Padiham 1

PADIHAM got off to the worst possible start to the new year when they were beaten 4-1 away at Blackpool Mechanics last night.

Trailing 1-0 to a 38th minute goal by John Oliver, the Storks lost any chance of getting back into the game when Andrew Lawson was sent off a minute later for a second bookable offence and from the resultant free kick Alan Hughes gave Blackpool Mechanics a 2-0 half time lead.

Substitute Wesley Collins increased the Fylde Coast side's lead 25 minutes into the second half and although Padiham scored the goal of the match in the 78th minute when Ian Pilkington let fly an unstoppable shot from 20 yards out, Blackpool Mechanics scored a fourth goal deep into injury time when Wesley Collins converted from close range.