Derby win would take Padiham top (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Derby win would take Padiham top

12:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Football

PADIHAM will go top of the North West Counties Premier Division if they win their East Lancashire derby at Colne tonight.

The Storks currently sit second in the table, two points behind Maine Road, but tonight’s fixture is one of three games in hand they have on the current league leaders.

Padiham will be keen to take advantage and secure top spot with victory, having won 2-0 at struggling Squires Gate on Saturday.

But Colne are in contention at the top of the league too and will be determined to claim the derby spoils.

Nigel Coates’ side are sixth in the table, 10 points behind Padiham having played a game more, but could climb two places if they win and other results go their way.

Also in action in the Premier Division are Barnoldswick Town, who are two points behind Colne in ninth. Barlick make the trip to AFC Liverpool tonight.

In Evo-Stik First Division North, Ramsbottom United host Bamber Bridge.

The Rams are sixth in the table but tonight could move above Farsley, who have played five games more.

AFC Darwen will be hoping for a favour from Nelson tonight as they bid to extend their advantage at the top of the North West Counties First Division.

Kenny Langford’s outfit lead second-placed Abbey Hey by three points and entertain Atherton LR at the Anchor Ground.

But Abbey Hey have two games in hand and are also in action tonight at home to Nelson, who head into the game having won back to back games for the first time since August.