PADIHAM FC had to play second fiddle to a lively Carnforth Rangers outfit in the opening 60 minutes of their West Lancashire Football League encounter last Saturday.

But in the end the Storks returned home from their travels with a 3-1 victory and three league points from their opening league match of the 1999-2000 season.

Goalless at half time, Padiham then fell behind nine minutes into the second half when Carnforth scored direct from a free kick.

Phil Malley was then sent off after collecting a second booking leaving the Storks to play the final 30 minutes with only 10 men. Fortunately, Padiham's response was a positive one and when Anthony McCluskey's 63rd minute shot squirmed through the Carnforth keeper's legs for an equaliser, Padiham kept going for the victory which was achieved when midfield player John Harrison scored twice in the final stages of the game to give Padiham a 3-1 winning start to the millennium season.

Padiham Reserves also won, beating Worsthorne Reserves 3-2 in a friendly at Bank Hall. Goals from Park, Dugdale and Farnworth ensured Padiham of a second pre-season victory. On Thursday evening, Padiham Reserves conclude their pre-season friendlies with an away fixture against Kelbrook, while on the same night Padiham 3rd team play Hapton in another friendly at the Prairie.

This Saturday, Padiham are away to Hesketh Bank (kick-off 3pm).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.