PADIHAM had star striker Lee Chambers back in their starting line-up for the first time since breaking his ankle in Sunday League football in January.

And although it might have been a gamble throwing him in at the deep end against NWCL Division Two champions Stand Athletic at Haslingden last night, it proved a master stroke by Storks' manager Graham Haworth.

The front man hit the only goal of the match 21 minutes into the second half to give Padiham a fully deserved victory and revenge for an earlier defeat that Stand inflicted on the Storks two weeks ago.

Both sides hit the woodwork in the first half and needed their keepers to make important saves.

In the second half however, Padiham had the edge Dean Stowe and Chambers tested Stand keeper Tommy Allen and Robbie Smith went close with a shot across the face of the home side's goal which only needed a touch to end up in the net.

The winner came in the 66th minute when Chambers peeled open the Stand defence and shot under Allen's body to clinch the three points.

Padiham's defence held firm throughout the remainder of the game to become only the third team this season to stop Stand from scoring.

Tomorrow Padiham are away to Ashton Town while Stand are without a game.

STAND ATHLETIC ...0 PADIHAM ...1