IAN Street said beforehand he hoped to see 1874 Northwich prove they still felt part of a race for the title.

After this tepid showing in defeat, it appears the message did not get through.

Padiham, pummelled by Bootle before being embarrassed by Cammell Laird in the past two matches, could not believe their luck.

Kieron Pickup scored twice for the Storks, who gave the impression they had started to run out of ideas before they were gifted an equaliser midway through the second half.

Mark Jones then slipped badly – a metaphor for the hosts’ unsteady display throughout – to present the front man with a clear route to goal.

Denied initially by goalkeeper Greg Hall’s outstretched hand, he was unflustered in steering in the loose ball on the volley after it dropped from the sky.

Jones stayed on the floor, face-down in the mud.

In a fight for first place, 1874 may not recover from this blow.

A trip to Atherton Collieries a fortnight earlier, when they were considered contenders to be top of the pile by May, feels like it happened a lifetime ago.

Street was forced to make four changes from the side that started that game, including a debut for George Whiteoak.

Matthew Woolley was picked for the first time since the turn of the year too.

While their hosts were adjusting, to each other and the conditions, Padiham assumed control.

James Dean fluffed a sitter when he blazed over from inside the six-yard box after a free kick was diverted into his path.

He was more accurate with his next attempt, swivelling on the edge of the box before prompting Hall to save to his right.

The Storks continued to show more promise, and Mark Jones stretched fully to head Dean’s cross to safety as Pickup prepared to pounce.

1874 rose from their slumber to take the lead before the break.

Northwich Guardian:

Tyler Edwards attempts to force the ball goal-wards during a scramble insdie Padiham's penalty area towards the end of Saturday's game. Picture: M Darlington Photography

Tyler Edwards’ drilled attempt from distance was parried by custodian Mike Donlon, but Sam Hare swept in the loose ball.

The hosts, lucky to lead, played with more pep after the interval.

However they were grateful to Matty Russell keeping them in front, the full-back timing to perfection a tackle on Dean while the Padiham striker was in shooting stride.

Edwards’ effort brushed a defender after Hare and Joe Woolley had combined on the right, then Conor Docherty threw himself in the way of Hare’s shot after Tom had nudged the ball his way.

The contest turned on two disastrous moments in 1874’s defence.

First, Matthew Woolley’s first touch – from Mark Jones’ pass – was too heavy and Dean intercepted before sending Pickup clear.

His finish was slick.

And it was similarly so when Jones lost his footing nine minutes later.

1874 could not muster a reaction, save for Edwards steering narrowly off-target from Joe Woolley’s cross.

They have now lost successive league games for the first time this season and the timing, after a rallying call, could not be worse.

1874 | 4-2-3-1 | Hall (GK), Mitchell, Whiteoak (Douglas 87), Mark Jones, Russell, Lee Jones, Matthew Woolley (Waldron 71), Joe Woolley, Hare (Pratt 77), Edwards, Bailey Sub not used Kennerley Goal Hare 45

Padiham | 4-4-2 | Donlon (GK), Docherty, Young, Barski, Walker, Melia (Townsend 61), Craig, Turner, Murphy (Parkes 88), Dean, Pickup (Farnworth 90) Subs not used Taylor, Coyne Goals Pickup 70, 79 Booked Docherty, Young, Dean (all fouls)

Referee Lewis Raper

Attendance 228