Unfortunately, while the pitch was up to the job, the Cammell Laird team found it difficult to rise to the occasion and found no way through a plucky Padiham side who started the 18th in the NWCFL Premier Division table and some 9 points behind their hosts.
To be fair, the playing conditions probably favoured the visitors as we have seen Padiham play on numerous occasions when we used to live in East Lancashire and every single time we have been there for match it has absolutely poured with rain. We also know their manager Steve Wilkes of old from when he managed Darwen all the way to the final of the Lancashire Cup - narrowly losing to then-Conference side Morecambe on penalties - so, although we enjoyed the afternoon along with the Padiham travelling faithful, it wasn't such a good day to be a Cammell Laird fan.
In all honesty this game was very entertaining to watch with lost of end to end action and was a lot more closely contested than the final scoreline suggests. But while the home side were unable to put any of their own chances away, Padiham had no such difficulty.
Cammell Laird have the chance to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day when they entertain Ashton Athletic at their St Peters Road ground in a 3pm kick off. If you haven't been to a NWCFL game before, maybe it would be nice festive treat to go as a family and enjoy a pleasant afternoon of grass roots football...?
You can find out more about Cammell Laird 1907 FC and their various teams HERE
or find out about your own local NWCFL team at www.nwcfl.com
