KIERON Pickup’s goal with time running out completed a comeback for Padiham that leaves Barnton still without a victory in the North West Counties League.
He latched onto Ben Hoskin’s through-ball before finishing clinically, extending the Storks’ unbeaten run to four matches in league and cup.
That outcome had appeared unlikely after the Villagers scored twice inside three minutes in response to Dominic Craig’s opener.
They might have gone 2-0 down first, only for Craig to fluff a glorious chance after goalkeeper Rob Cooke had saved smartly Jason Hart’s header.
Chin up lads, good enough to get in front, just circumstances & naivety killing us at the minute, it'll come! #ToTheNext @barntonfc
— Steve Lloyd (@SteveLloyd_10) September 30, 2017
He will have felt worse when Chris Bandell tapped in captain Chris Smith’s cross to claim his third goal in as many games.
Wide man Ryan Malone then put Steve Lloyd’s men in front after combining efficiently with Jason McShane.
However Padiham restored parity on 76 minutes when Marc Young added a final flourish to a fine team move.
Substitute Niall Ford then smuggled Craig’s header off the line as Barnton attempted to hang on for a point, only for Pickup to deny them with three minutes left.
Jack Woolley went closest to making it 3-3.
“We’ve scored plenty of goals against some top teams this season,” reflected player-coach Jason McShane afterwards.
“If we can tighten up defensively, then I’m confident that wins will follow.”
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