PADIHAM boss Graham Howarth admitted he almost missed out on their hot shot Lee Chambers.

The striker, who has scored 11 goals in six games for the Storks this season, was playing for BAC Preston but knew he was moving to the Padiham area.

"Lee approached us to play but, to be honest, we'd just beaten BAC Preston 5-1 and he hadn't done a lot so we weren't too bothered," said the boss. "He didn't score too many last season but the step up into this league, where you're allowed more time on the ball, has certainly benefited him."

Padiham, currently top of the North West Counties Division Two table, travel to Stoke to face the league's other new boys, Stone Dominoes, tomorrow.

"They, like us are a bit of an unknown quantity and they've had a few good wins.

"We know that in every game we are the underdogs and have to give 100 per cent and, despite being top of the table, we will never believe any different.

"The moment we start thinking we will win every game will be our downfall."

Carl Parker, a striker signed in the summer, will miss the game as could Paul Hargreaves.