PADIHAM'S 5-1 away win over BAC Preston on Saturday ensured the Storks stayed top of the West Lancashire Football League Division One table and made some amends for the previous weekend's shock 4-1 home defeat against second-placed Garstang FC.

A second half hat trick by Anthony McCluskey rounded off a convincing Padiham performance and ended BAC Preston's recent run of good results.

In the first half both sides seemed relatively evenly matched with Jason Tansey giving Padiham a fourth-minute lead and BAC Preston equalising six minutes later to make it 1-1.

After the half time interval however, Padiham edged in front in the 55th minute when Jamie Edmondson headed in following a chipped pass by Overson and then ran out easy winners as McCluskey went on a goal spree.

His first came in the 60th minute when a long ball by Allen was headed on by Tansey and McCluskey fired in from 12 yards out.

His second came in the 74th minute with an acute angled shot following a cross from Tansey and his third came in the 81st minute courtesy of an arrogant back heeled effort that left the home keeper floundering.

Padiham Res were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Feniscowles Reserves. Chris Young shot Feniscowles into a 30th minute 1-0 lead whilst Padiham equalised within a minute of the start of the second half when Joey Stevenson ran through and scored.

Padiham A lost 5-2 at home to Stacksteads in the Premier Division of the Burnley & District Football League.

Next Saturday Padiham are at home to Accrington side Sacred Heart in the second round of the Lancashire Amateur Shield, kick off 1.45pm.

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