PADIHAM are still looking nervously over their shoulders in the Evo-Stik League Division One North after a 2-1 midweek defeat to Kendal Town.

The Storks have struggled in recent weeks and Tuesday night’s defeat means they are five points clear of the relegation places heading into Saturday’s home clash with Burscough.

Steve Wilkes’ men were one down early on in Cumbria when Maison McGeechan fired the home side into an eighth minute lead.

The Kendal man was on hand to turn home the loose ball after Padiahm stopper Sean Davis failed to hold a Mitchley shot.

The visitors were level late in the first half thanks to a Daniel Boyle strike after good work from Dominc Craig.

But five minutes after the re-start the home side scored what proved to be the winner through Daniel Mitchley when he rose highest to head home a Rob Wilson corner.

Padiham pushed for an equaliser in the final stages but Spencer Jordan and Bradley Cookson were both denied by McDonald as the home side held out for the points.

Tragedy struck during the game when Kendal fan Dennis Hackney, 96, collapsed and died in the stands.

He fell ill moments after the Mintcakes opened the scoring. Paramedics, club committee members and passers-by battled to save his life as, at the request of his sons, the match continued.

In the North West Counties League Premier Division a Matthew Cavanagh goal was enough to earn Barnoldswick Town a deserved 1-0 derby win over Colne.

There was also an important result for Bacup Borough as they drew 0-0 at Ashton Athletic.

The point brings struggling Borough to within three points of safety with a game in hand.

But the visitors were relient on goalkeeper Kieron O’Boyle for preserving their point as he made a string of fine saves – three of them coming in the final 10 minutes as the hosts pushed for the winner.