WHAT should have been Padiham Football Club's best chance of any silverware this season ended embarrassingly early when they were knocked out of the West Lancashire Football League's President's Cup competition at the first round stage by near-neighbours Haslingden St Mary's 4-2 at the Arbories.

After Lee Chambers failed to convert from two good openings in the first 10 minutes, Padiham seemed to lose their way as Haslingden battled hard for every loose ball and looked the more determined of the two sides to take the lead, and in the 28th minute, they did through Wayne Haworth. They went further in front minutes before half time through Anthony Flynn.

Padiham hit back three minutes into the second half when Mark Allen converted a corner from close range, and for 20 minutes they completely dominated the game without scoring.

Haslingden, on the other hand, defended well and when their chance came Paul Grimshaw made it 3-1 in the 80th minute.

John Wylie added a fourth two minutes later and although Lee Chambers reduced Padiham's dreams before the final whistle the result was beyond them.

Tomorrow, Padiham take on Whitbread Samlesbury at the Arbories in the third round of the Lancashire Amateur Shield (kick-off 1.30pm).

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