Storks take seconds to seal points

It was a case of '˜blink and you'd miss it' when Padiham took three points away from their Hallmark Security Premier Division fixture against Charnock Richard.
Charlie RussellCharlie Russell
Charlie Russell

Just seconds after the visitors had drawn level in the 73rd minute at the Ruby Civil Arena at the weekend, the Storks went straight to the other end to restore their advantage.

Padiham were looking to capitalise on their opponent’s heartache, just days after Andy Westwell’s side had missed out on a place in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final at the Macron Stadium having lost out to Clitheroe in the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

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Following a goalless first half, where opportunities had been at a premium for both sides, Padiham took the lead within seconds of the restart.

Charlie Russell picked the ball up 35 yards from goal, gliding through a couple of challenges before beating goalkeeper Adam Halton from the edge of the area.

The away side made it all square with just over a quarter-of-an-hour remaining when substitute Nathan Fairhurst, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, stormed through a wall of blue shirts to head a corner home at the near post.

Joint boss Liam Smith had accused his players of having no fire in their bellies when surrendering to defeat against Hanley Town recently, but they had it in abundance once they had been pegged back.

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With Charnock Richard still celebrating their equaliser, full back Ben Hoskin pumped the diagonal ball in to the box and it was met with a looping header from debutant Aaron Fleming, on as a substitute, to make it 2-1.

The visitors had a late chance to snatch a point at the Arbories when Carl Grimshaw’s shot had Marcus Burgess beaten but Hoskin was in the right place at the right time to hack the ball clear off the line.

Team: Marcus Burness, Benjamin Hoskin, Wes Benjamin, Charlie Russell, Jack Sanders, Adam Freeland, Dominic Craig, Chris Anderson, Spencer Jordan, Max Hazeldine, Samuel Tattum. Subs: Daniel Boyle, Cameron Lancaster, Aaron Fleming, Kenneth Taylor.

Padiham, now level on points with seventh placed Ashton Athletic, are away at relegation threatened Abbey Hey tomorrow with kick off at 7-45 p.m.