PADIHAM won their NWCL Division Two top of the table clash against leaders Maine Road to move within two points of the Manchester side with five games in hand.

The Storks' 3-2 win was their 11th league victory of the season and by far their most important three points to date.

Ian Pilkington gave Padiham the lead in the 11th minute when he volleyed in a John Harrison cross after a forceful run by midfield player Craig Wilkinson.

Harrison added a second 16 minutes later with a curling shot that was so accurate it was undefendable.

Maine Road got themselves back into the game in the 32nd minute when Chris Simms headed in a right wing cross from a tight angle at the back post.

Padiham restored their two goal advantage 10 minutes into the second half and again it was the Storks' goal poacher Ian Pilkington who got his head to a rebound from a Darren Fullard cross to make it 3-1.

Maine Road kept the result on a knife edge with a 70th minute Colin Marshall goal but at the final whistle it was Padiham who still had their noses in front.

PADIHAM...3 MAINE ROAD...2