JOINT Padiham manager Liam Smith became a father for the first time this week, but could not cap the celebrations with a win.

Smith returned to the dug-out after missing the midweek defeat at Irlam to be with his wife and newborn son.

But the Storks lost to a single strike by Hallmark Security League Premier League leaders City of Liverpool at the Arbories.

Joseph Holt grabbed what proved to be the winner for the visitors in the 77th minute.

There was better luck for Barnoldswick Town in their Premier League home game with Burscough, as they ran out 2-0 winners thanks to two goals in two minutes early in the second half for Marc Young and Zack Dale to put them in fourth place.

In the First Division, Bacup Borough and AFC Darwen celebrated late wins.

Adrian Bellamy scored in the last minute against Ashton Town for Brent Peters’ Bacup after Bobby Carter and Rees Welsh were on target either side of the break.

But Sam Knowles’ last minute winner produced the shock of the day as AFC Darwen beat leaders Longridge Town away.

Danny Taylor’s 18th minute goal for the visitors had earlier been cancelled out by Paul Turner.

Daniel Fagan gave Nelson a sixth minute lead at home to Atherton LR, and they managed to see the game out for a welcome win against the bottom club.

In the Evo-Stik West Division, Colne came out on top against Leek Town in five-goal thriller at the Sovereign Play stadium.

The Reds took the lead after nine minutes when Matty Morgan fired home at the far post from Brad Lynch’s cross.

Another well worked move released Alex Curran through the middle to put the Reds two goals up after 14 minutes.

Leek pulled a goal back on 51 minutes when Tom Grice knocked home Rob Stevenson’s curling cross at the far post

Colne won a penalty on 81 minutes when Lynch was brought down and Curran converted the spot kick for a 3-1 lead.

But within a minute, Leek struck back with a goal by Stevenson to set up a grandstand finish as Colne held on for a hard fought win.

Ramsbottom United continued their gruelling series of away fixtures with a visit to Colwyn Bay in what was their seventh game on the road from their last eight matches played.

But it was not too much for their to handle as Luke Thompson’s 65th minute winner proved.

Clitheroe were beaten 2-1 away to Runcorn Linnets.

The home side scored both of their goals before the break. Harry Cannon-Noren pulled on back early in the second half but the Blues could not find the equaliser.