ECCLESHALL proved tougher opposition than their league position suggested on Saturday, holding Padiham to a 0-0 draw and very nearly taking all three points back to Staffordshire with them.

Only some inspired goalkeeping by Padiham's Gavin King in the opening stages of the game kept the visitors out.

The woodwork also came to the Storks assistance in the second half as, first, Oliver Warrender hit the post, and then Dwayne Spence hit the bar.

Padiham finished the game with 10-men for the second week running after Ross Barnham picked up two yellow cards to leave the home side to play the last 25 minutes a man down.