PADIHAM claimed victory over fifth-placed Kendal Town in a wind-affected Evo-Stik First Division North match at the Arbories.

Kendal pinned Padiham back early on and the Storks were reliant on Ben Proctor to keep the opposition out.

Proctor had to save from Maison McGeechan after he had been rounded by Zach Clark.

In the very first minute of the game Padiham full back Max Jones had to clear off the line from Darren Green’s effort.

Padiham’s resistance paid dividends on 32 minutes when Kieron Pickup crashed his shot past Kendal keeper Phil King to put them ahead, after Louis Mayers’ left-wing cross had been half cleared.

Ben Allen flashed a shot wide as the Storks looked to double their lead before half time, but Kendal were level nine minutes after the interval.

The visitors, who were captained by former Accrington Stanley and Blackpool defender Danny Coid, made it 1-1 as Mike Rushton turned home McGeechan’s cross for the right.

Padiham had the chance to go back in front when Allen headed Pickup’s corner wide of the post.

Allen then had a headed goal disallowed for offside but a minute later he did bag what would prove to be the winner.

Allen once scored a record-breaking 50 goals during a scholarship for Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee in the United States and this time he collected a pass from Mayers and found the net after a strong solo run.

Jack Smith headed off target for Kendal as they sought an equaliser, before Green fired a free kick over the bar.

But Padiham had done enough to secure victory and will now be aiming to build on the win when they travel to second-placed Curzon Ashton tonight at 7.45pm. The Storks currently sit 13th.