He rounded off the scoring at the Arbories after last week's return from UniBond First Division North side Lancaster City.

And the three points helped catapult the Storks back among the pacesetters in the Vodkat First Division.

Fildes' return to the side added much needed pace to the forward line, as he had the game's first shot in anger with an angled effort.

Padiham could count themselves lucky not to have conceded a penalty on five minutes, when a handball by Mark Derbyshire was deemed to have taken place outside the area.

However, things evened themselves out soon when the Storks had an appeal for a penalty turned down.

Midway through the half, the deadlock was broken when Robbie Smith's free kick found its way through a crowd of players, and Chris Ridehalgh smashed the ball past Lee Swanson.

After the break, Chadderton had a great chance to equalise when Smith lost possession in midfield, and Chris Carruthers raced away to smash a shot into the side netting.

The visitors continued to have the edge, and it came as no surprise when they drew level on the hour thanks to Ian Knapman's free kick.

The Storks had another scare when Andrew Fulham got free, but this time Sean Davis made a good save.

But the home side responded with some efforts of their own, with Fildes angling a shot just wide before Derbyshire's low cross evaded everyone.

However, Padiham were back in front when Fildes broke down the right before crossing perfectly for Ridehalgh to head in at the back post.

An identical move saw Ridehalgh only just denied his hat-trick by a good save from Swanson, while Smith tested the keeper with another effort.

But the points were sealed when a throughball allowed Fildes to outpace the defence, and slot the ball under Swanson.

Padiham have no midweek fixture, but entertain Eccleshall on Saturday in the Vodkat Challenge Cup (kick-off 3 p.m.), with admission at £4 and £2.

The match has been sponsored by Frank Heys, who wants the fixture to act as a re-union afternoon for all players and officials who were part of either Padiham Wanderers or Gawthorpe Old Boys in the early 1980s.
Fore more details, contact Mr Heys (07736 691145).