PDIHAM'S extra-time 3-2 defeat away to Congleton Town on Saturday in the quarter finals of this year's North West Counties Football League D-Zine Challenge Cup competition cost them the opportunity of meeting FC United in a two-legged semi-final and the prospect of a £10,000 pay cheque from the encounters.

Yet the Storks can still be upbeat about their performance after once again pushing a Division One side all the way in an absolute cracker of a cup tie.

There were so many chances created by both sides that it was hard to keep track, and why it took 75 minutes for the first goal to be scored remains a mystery.

However, when the break through arrived it was Congleton's Craig Jones who scored, when he headed in a Jordan Johnson cross from a short corner.

Padiham drew level on 83 minutes through Michael Morrison who headed in a Paul Paynter cross.

With extra-time looming Paul Fildes almost nicked it for the Storks with a lobbed shot that hit the home side's crossbar. And in added on time Paul Barrett failed to score from a one-on-one.

Congleton caught Padiham napping with a quick free kick five minutes into extra-time allowing Gerrard Courtney to score.

And the home skipper Andy Alston headed the Bears further in front five minutes later.

Barrett pulled a goal back for the Storks, but the home side held on for the win.