PADIHAM hot-shot Lee Chambers failed in his mission to grab the NWCL Division Two Golden Boot off Darwen's Paul Baker -- but still got on the scoresheet twice at West View.

Chambers faced an uphill task, needing to score six in the final match of the season to by-pass Baker who has netted 36 times this term.

He got two -- in the 14th and 43rd minute -- but it wasn't enough, although he still finished the season with a 33 goal tally.

The first came from a corner when Chambers nipped ahead of Stuart Walters to fire home the opener. Padiham made it two following a neat one-two which ended with Chambers firing past the outstretched Adam Potts, who was playing with cracked ribs.

Bacup regrouped at half-time and immediately got one back when Nicky Taylor delivered a cross which Damon Gledhill got his head to.

Damien Moran, with the goal at his mercy, had a chance to level but waited too long and Padiham keeper Ian Hartley -- who won the Division's Safe Hands award for April --raced off his line to deny him.

Padiham made it safe again five minutes from time with a 20-yard blockbuster from Darren Fullard.

Eighth place was already secured for Padiham -- a fantastic season after promotion from the West Lancs League last time out.

For Bacup, after finishing in fifth spot last season, they ended up 14th, although manager Brent Peters was not too downbeat as his side did get to their first final in 12 years -- the Second Division Trophy.

"All credit to Graham Howarth and Padiham in their first season," said the Bacup chief. "It shows what can be achieved with players that may not be the best abilty-wise but they make up for it with their work rate as a team.

"I still see this season as a progression for Bacup because we went to a final. We are going in the right direction, we have achieved something every year, and next season I've let my players know in no uncertain terms that we will be going for it in a big way."