HIGHWAYMAN Dick Turpin would have been proud of the way Padiham snatched all three points from their away fixture with Blackpool Mechanics in NWCL Division Two.

Two smash and grab raids late in the game saw them score twice in the space of 30 seconds to move into second place in the table and back into the promotion race.

But it was hard going for most of the match as a strong wind, bumpy playing surface, blinding sunshine and competitive opponents made it difficult for Padiham to get any sort of rhythm to their play.

Blackpool had the better chances in the first half and again at the start of the second half with James Blaney and Tim Kinley missing good opportunities to put the home side in front.

Padiham rode their luck however and with five minutes to go took the lead when Scott Gizon's midfield header sent substitute Dean Stowe away to shoot over the head of Blackpool keeper Stuart Barton to make it 1-0.

Padiham added a second almost immediately when a clearance from goalkeeper Kirk Marsden found John Harrison and his through ball was turned in by Gizon to secure for the Storks what may prove to be a very important three points.

BLACKPOOL...0 PADIHAM...2