A KIERON Pickup hat-trick made sure Padiham finally had something to cheer about after a miserable week both on and off the pitch for the Storks.

Following a heavy defeat to West Didsbury and Chorlton last weekend and a 4-0 loss at neighbouring Nelson in midweek, Padiham’s woes worsened when the club tractor broke down and Storks president Fred Whalley suffered a broken hip following a fall.

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But the victory - Padiham’s biggest of the season - has lightened the mood around the Arbories.

“We had the week from hell so the win is very welcome,” said club secretary Alan Smith.

“I spoke to Fred from his hospital bed after the game and I think the win cheered him up.”

Padiham dominated the early exchanges, Chappy Massaba testing Winsford keeper Dale Latham before heading two great chances over and wide of the goal.

But it took until just over the half hour mark for Padiham to make the pressure count when Pickup headed in from the edge of the area following an Alex Murphy corner.

Winsford’s Daniel Hudson looked dangerous as the half wore on but it was team-mate Daniel Egan who should have levelled when he headed a right wing cross over the bar from close range.

After the break, Pickup and Martin Parkes both went close to doubling Padiham’s but they were pegged back when Winsford substitute Saul Henderson equalised on 65 minutes.

But Padiham regained the lead 15 minutes from time when Pickup took advantage of an Andy Hill through ball and drilled his shot past Latham.

Curtis Haley made it 3-1 in the 81st minute before Murphy made it 4-1.

And in added on time, Pickup completed his hat-trick with the goal of the game as Padiham sealed just their second win over Winsford in the last 13 years.

It was the Storks fourth win of the campaign which lifts them in to 13th place and they now have a welcome midweek off, returning to action at 1874 Northwich next weekend.