A GOAL three minutes into injury time robbed Padiham of what would have been a hard-fought away victory at Ashton Town on Saturday.

Instead they had to settle for a 1-1 draw and only a share of the points from their North West Counties Division Two fixture, which was played in atrocious weather conditions that made it difficult for both sides.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Padiham had goalkeeper Kirk Marsden to thank for a series of top class saves and Ashton forward Mike Read for missing two golden opportunities.

After the break Padiham had the wind in their favour and after Fullard, Howes and Harrison had all come close, the breakthrough eventually came when a curling free kick to the back post was converted by Lee Howes from close range in the 72nd minute.

Padiham controlled the game until the very death when an injury time shot from Ashton full back Mick Bennett took a wicked deflection and spun into the stunned Storks' goal to rob the visitors of a win that was almost theirs.

ASHTON TOWN...1

PADIHAM...1