Michelin 3 Padiham 2

Ash the Bash

WING wizard Ashley Waddington guided Michelin to cup glory with a lung-bursting display to set up all three goals.

Waddington was tormenter-in-chief as he ran Padiham ragged down the right flank making sure left back Ray Norris didn't get a moment's peace.

In a match dominated by defenders, Waddington proved to be man to penetrate Padiham's rear guard to such devasting effect. And all this after Michelin had taken the lead.

Jarred Helm chased a long punt upfield from stand-in keeper Mark Derbyshire, capitalised on a moment's hesitancy in the Michelin defence and out jumped stopper Mark Bond to head the ball home.

It was rare error from Michelin's defence but they held firm soon after as Mark Hanson and Lee Howes both went close.

Padiham's backline were equally as impressive with Craig Williamson and the exceptional Anthony Pearson in mean mood.

But Michelin were on level terms when Waddington cut inside his marker to release Steve Hudson who appeared to be offside but raced through to score.

Pearson almost restored Padiham's lead but flashed a header just wide before the break.

Michelin then came within a whisker of taking the lead when Andrew Trickett thundered a free kick against the post.

Moments later, Trickett lined up another free kick in an identical position but his quick thinking released Waddington and his low ball into the box was turned into his own net by Pearson.

And they opened up a two goal lead when Waddington again got to the by-line to send in another dangerous cross which Hudson stepped over and Gary Scaife rammed the ball home.

Padiham threw on Rob Astin for the final 15 minutes and he made an immediate impact when he raced on to a neat through ball from Joey Stephenson to skip past Bond to drill the ball home.

It set up a frantic final few minutes and despite a heart-stopping moment when Bond fumbled the ball on the line, Michelin held firm to win.

Ratings Michelin Mark Bond (keeper) Great second half save and had a solid final 10 minutes when it mattered...7

Mick Westhall (right back) Defended solidly throughout the match...6

Andrew Trickett (left back) Hit a post with a sweetly struck free kick then helped set up second goal. Good game...7

Dave Whittacker (centre back) Made sure Padiham's strikers were limited to a few chances...6

Richard Barber (centre back) Apart from error for first goal played well throughout...6

HAshley Waddington (right midfield) Set up all three goals. Was a real handful throughout the game...8

Craig Holden (left midfield) Like Waddington, pace was his rea asset and used it to worry Padiham defence...7

Andrew Williams (centre midfield) Quiet game in the middle of the park...6

Colin Dixon (centre midfield) Good box-to-box performance...7

Gary Scaife (striker) Scored vital third goal to round off impressive display...7

Steve Hudson (striker) Kept being caught offside but broke free to equalise...7 Padiham Mark Derbyshire (keeper) Stand-in keeper played well although fumbled the first goal...6

Steve Meehan (right back) Solid enough performance...6

Ray Norris (left back) Defended well throughout the match...6

HAnthony Pearson (centre back) Excellent display apart from own goal. Marshalled defence superbly and nearly scored with fierce free kick...8

Craig Williamson (centre back) Good display alongside Pearson but both went missing for third goal...7

Gavin Farnworth (right midfield) Stroke the ball around well and made some telling passes...7

Mark Hanson (left midfield) Worked hard down the flank...6

Joey Stevenson (centre midfield) Set piece specialist who worked tirelessly in midfield...7

Steve Whitehead (centre midfield) Got stuck in in the middle of park...7

Jarred Helm (striker) Terrier like display up front. Pounced for opening goal and was always a threat...7

Lee Howes (striker) Chances were limited as defence kept him shackled...6

Subs

Rob Astin (striker) Gave Padiham another option up front and scored a great goal...7

Dave McDonagh (midfield) Always will to take players on but little chance to shine...6