PADIHAM FC experienced all the pleasures if that is what it can be called, of a Lancashire Amateur Shield first round draw away from home when they travelled to Rochdale to take on Spotland Reform Club from the Manchester Football League at Firgrove Recreation ground.

Faced with a less than accommodating parks pitch, and having a player sent off after only five minutes for swearing, the Storks had to fight all the way to overcome Spotland Reform Club with their winning goal not arriving until extra time.

In fact, 10 minutes into the second half of normal time Padiham found themselves 3-1 down with only an Anthony McCluskey headed goal to show for their efforts.

Padiham's fight-back started in the 78th minute when Paul Hargreaves finished off some good work by John Harrison to cut Spotland's lead to 3-2.

Shaun Kendall converted a late penalty to equalise and take the tie into extra time and in the first half of the extra period Martin Fletcher scored with a 30-yard strike that nobody could deny was worthy of winning the game. Padiham Res crashed to a 7-1 away defeat to West Lancashire Football League Reserve Division One leaders Eagley Reserves with three of the Eagley goals coming in the final three minutes of the game.

Only Anthony Bolton's long-ranger strike midway through the second half gave the Storks side anything to cheer about.

Padiham A also lost, going down 1-0 to Royal Hotel in the Burnley and District Football League Harry Walsh Cup.

This coming Saturday Padiham will play their first home fixture of the season at the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground after playing their opening 16 league, Cup and Shield matches away from home.

Their opponents are scheduled to be Garstang FC in a West Lancashire Football League Division One fixture that kicks off at 3pm.

On Sunday an ex-Clarets side will take on a Padiham XI at the Arbories (kick off 3pm).

All funds raised on the day will go towards the costs of the ground upgrading, which has been under way for the last six months.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.