Padiham 1, Farsley 2

Farsley bounced back from a surprise midweek Evo-Stik League defeat to consolidate third place in Division One North with a narrow but deserved victory at Padiham.

Despite Farsley’s early dominance there was a key moment in the game just before the hour mark. The home side were awarded a penalty but keeper Ben Higginson pulled off a save to keep it at 1-1.

Farsley boss Neil Parsley said: “The conditions were shocking. There was a massive storm with thunder and lightning but I don’t think that had a huge bearing on the game.

“We played against a strong wind in the first half but I thought for the first 30 minutes we played well, perhaps some of the best football we have played this season.

“Padiham scored from a set-piece and from then it was end-to-end really.

“Then we scored with about five minutes to go and I think we just about deserved it overall.

“When they missed the penalty it was a little bit of luck that went our way. But coming back from a 2-1 defeat last Tuesday, we’ll take it.”

Farsley skipper Rob O’Brien gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half with a great strike.

They almost doubled their advantage but Matty James’ header from a Simeon Bambrook cross crashed against the bar.

Padiham were back on terms when Ben Allen converted from a 38th-minute free-kick.

Lee Ellington was then the Farsley hero with the late winner, before the combative O’Brien picked up a yellow card.