PADIHAM became the last surviving Second Division club in this season's North West Counties Football League Worthington Challenge Trophy competition on Saturday when they beat Castleton Gabriels 4-1 at the Arbories to earn a quarter-final pairing with Congleton Town at Padiham in the New Year.

It proved a smooth passage for the Storks who totally dominated the first half and should have had the game sewn up at half time. Only a series of missed opportunities and a number of exceptional saves from Castleton keeper Mark Canning allowed the visitors to still be in the game after 45 minutes.

Ian Pilkington had volleyed the Storks in front after 15 minutes and added a second for Padiham 20 minutes later to put the home side 2-0 ahead before Castleton got a penalty and Graham Hicks converted the spot kick to give the visitors a foothold back in the game.

This ended when Ian Pilkington completed his hat trick in the 65th minute and captain Jamie Edmondson headed in the Storks fourth five minutes before the final whistle.

PADIHAM...4 CASTLETON GABRIELS...1