PADIHAM have slipped in to the bottom four of the Evo-Stik League First Division North after a tale of two penalties not given and one awarded for the visitors.

The Storks believed they had two clear cut shouts for spot kicks waved away by referee Richard Holmes before the match official gave one to New Mills that ultimately settled the match.

Padiham got off to a poor start after Michael Fish gave New Mills the lead after just five minutes.

Daniel Grimshaw rattled the Storks woodwork soon after and keeper Sean Davis denied the same player five minutes later.

But Padiham found their way back in to the game and Mark Sharples tested keeper Peter Colinge in the 25th minute The Storks were denied their first penalty before the break when Ashley Carter appeared to be pulled back.

The home side dominated after the break but Colinge was in fine form to twice deny Ben Allen and beat away a Carter header.

Storks were denied another spot kick on the hour mark when Dominic Craig was held back in the area.

The referee was to eventually award a penalty but at the other end when Davis fouled Fish after the striker latched on to a poor goal kick.

Fish picked himself up to convert from the spot in the 75th minute.

A fine goal by Craig in the 83rd gave the Storks hope but it proved to be too little, too late.