Padiham 4, Squires Gate 6 (aet)

PADIHAM FC's NWCL Second Division Trophy tie against Squires Gate lived up to its billing of being the afternoon's top fixture -- but unfortunately for the Storks the result went against them in somewhat bizarre circumstances.

Goals by John Harrison (five minutes) and Ian Pilkington (27) gave Padiham a platform from which to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Squires Gate then stormed back with two goals in a minute from Paul Paynter and Lee Stockledge.

Ian Pilkington (40) restored the Storks lead which Padiham held until the last kick of the second half when Squires Gate's Brian Manchester sent the tie into extra time at 3-3.

Then, after just 20 seconds of extra time, the Storks conceded an own goal without a visiting player even touching the ball. Lee Chambers then equalised straight from the second kick off before Scott Sugden fired Squires Gate back in front a minute later. The tie was secured when Paul Paynter made it 6-4.

Incredibly Padiham's opening 16 league and Cup games since returning to the NWCFL have seen 85 goals being scored with the Storks scoring 44 of these whilst conceding 51 at the other end as well.

This Saturday Padiham are away to Daisy Hill in the NWCFL Worthington Challenge competition, kick off 1.30pm.