Goals from Paul Fildes and Paul Barrett saw them ease past local rivals Ramsbottom United in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup.

And the win saw them earn a third round tie at home to another Premier Division side, Atherton LR.

Fildes scored the only goal of the first half on 14 minutes, when a well-worked one-two with Barrett opened up the United defence, allowing Fildes to slip the ball under Damian Ross.

The visitors had chances themselves but couldn't find a way past Sean Davis, whose performance justified his selection as the Vodkat First Division Goalkeeper of the Month for October.

He saved well from efforts by Chris Smithies and Josh Hill prior to the Storks' opener before making the save of the season, diving backwards to scoop away Smithies' close range header.

That kept Padiham's lead intact at the break, with Padiham looking content to hold on to their advantage after the restart.

The visitors were allowed little space to mount an attack, but that changed 15 minutes from time as Craig Buckley's free kick was headed in by substitute Jon Stephenson.

However, United's joy lasted only three minutes, as Tom Bradley's free kick at the other end was met by a bullet header from Barrett to restore Padiham's advantage.

Barrett and Robbie Smith both had chances to increase the lead late on, but the hard work had already been done.

And they will hope to make it nine wins on the spin on Wednesday night when they host Kendal Town in a tough Lancashire FA Co-Operatives Challenge Trophy match (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).

Admission charges are as per LFA competition rules, with adults £6 and concessions £3.