[Neal]

A FAMOUS year which brought promotion to the top tier of the North West Counties League ended on a flat note for Padiham.

The Storks' 10th season back in the league has been spent in the Premier Division after finishing runners-up in the First Division.
And their goal in the second half of the season is not only to get enough points to survive, but to finish above local rivals Bacup, Nelson and Colne.

However, their last three games have all been postponed due to the wintry weather, leaving the club with a massive backlog of fixtures in the New Year, starting with the visit of Maine Road to the Arbories on Saturday, for what will be the first of 25 games still to play.

The Storks look set to have all their players available for the game, bar midfielder Chris Ridehalgh, who is suspended after picking up five bookings.

The weather has also hampered Padiham's ability to train of late, with their outdoor facilities also affected by the snow and ice, making it a frustrating time for all the club's players and management team.

Frustrating end to a great year for Padiham FC - Lancashire Evening Post