SKIPPER Tony Hallam nodded in a goal to earn Kendal Town a valuable point in a 1-1 draw against Buxton at the Lakeland Radio Stadium on Saturday. Hallam cleverly turned Michael Cole's well-flighted free kick from the left into the far post in the 12th minute to put Kendal ahead. There was a Premier League clash of names when Kendal's Carl Osman took on Buxton's Tony Lennon - both being brothers of more famous footballing relations. Kendal player-manager Lee Ashcroft was more concerned with origanising his struggling side and started up front, with a new signing George Melling - who joined from Bamber Bridge on Friday - at centre-back. There were some positional changes, too, with Paul Byrne tried in the centre of midfield and David Standley taking his place at full back. Ashcroft wanted an improved display and he got one with a better tempo, more movement off the ball and good commitment. A robust Buxton too often fell victim of their own physicality with the very correct referee, but Kendal keeper David Newnes, who had already made one diving save, had to be alert after 24 minutes when he sprinted out to block Paul Walker's through pass that had been deflected through the defence. The ball drifted loose to give Walker a second bite at a shot, but there was a let-off as he speared his shot wide of an unagureded net. Newnes made two or three commendable saves in the first half, but Kendal were looking threatening at the other end with Carl Osman and Rob Henry just failing to get shots on target in front of goal. Ten minutes into the second half, Newnes stayed on his feet well to deny Walker when he got through for a one-on-one and Buxton went close again in the 65th minute when Mike Towey headed a free kick on to the top of the bar and over. Two minutes later, Hallam made a fine block in defence but from the resulting corner, Tony Lennon's free kick flew uncleared across goal and was nudged to the edge of the six-yard box where centre-back Gregg Anderson stretched out a leg to cannon in an equaliser. Kendal substitute Michael West almost scored with his first touch after coming on for Ashcroft when his lob from 25 yards had keeper Scott Hartley back-pedalling furiously to keep the ball out of the net. Gareth Arnison, who had also come off the bench, was on the end of a good passing move in the 82nd minute but the keeper was equal to his shot on the turn, and Kendal went close again when Michael Cole scooped a free kick over the defensive wall only for Hartley to save well. Buxton forced a series of corners near the end, but Kendal were excellent value for a point against their sixth-placed opponents. . Man of match: Michael Cole.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Rob Henry - 3 David Standley - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Lee Mulvaney - 8 Paul Byrne - 9 Lee AshcroftSUB Michael West (75 mins) - 10 Paul FildesSUB Gareth Arnison (63 mins) - 11 Carl OsmanSUB Andy Leigh (80 mins) - Subs - 12 Gareth Arnison - 14 Andy Leigh - 15 Michael West

KENDAL GOALS - Tony Hallam 12

Lee Ashcroft's Kendal Town came from a goal down for a much needed 3-1 win at North Ferriby United in the Unibond League Premier Division. A David Cooke goal after 15 minutes put North Ferriby ahead in a strong start after the home team had missed two or three promising chances. The equaliser came on 37 minutes from a Paul Byrne corner kick which skipper Tony Hallam headed home firmly. A minute later, Kendal went ahead against the balance of play when Ashcroft seized on a loose ball following a half-clearance and his curling shot beat the keeper. Another goal did not arrive until seven minutes before the end when substitute Carl Osman stole in behind the Ferriby defence and rounded the keeper for a tap-in to seal the 3-1 victory to boost them ahead of Tuesday's home "six-pointer" with Prescot Cables at the Lakeland Radio Stadium.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Rob Henry - 3 David Standley - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Lee Mulvaney SUB Andy Leigh (64 mins) - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Carl Osman (46 mins) - 10 Paul Fildes SUB Gareth Arnison (75 mins) - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs - 12. Gareth Arnison 14. Andy Leigh 15. Carl Osman

KENDAL GOALS - Tony Hallam 37 - Lee Ashcroft 38 - Carl Osman 84

Town produced arguably the best half of league football seen at the Lakeland Radio Stadium this season to lead 2-0 at the interval with goals from Michael Cole and Ian Kilford. Cole scored direct from a 15th-minute free kick, curling his 25-yard shot around the wall and just inside the near post, despite the efforts of Prescot keeper Zak Hibbert, who got a hand to the shot but could only scoop it from over the line. Sharp and crisp about their work, Town were good value for a second goal in the 37th minute after a dazzling run by Carl Osman down the right. He cleverly cut back inside the centre-back and picked out Kilford in space just outside the box and the midfielder stroked a measured shot into the roof of the net. Two minutes later, busy runner Paul Fildes skipped clear of the defence and drew the keeper but saw his angled shot just roll wide of the far post. Town consolidated in the second half and Osman's mazy running caused problems for Prescot as he twice went close to scoring. Instead Prescot grabbed a goal back in the 54th minute when their danger-man, striker Eamon Price, outpaced the defence to nip on to a ball through the middle and steered his shot past David Newnes into the far corner of the net. Kendal boss Lee Ashcroft. who went off 10 minutes after the break, saw his side regain their control and poise to go 3-1 up in the 62nd minute when Osman's trickery beat three men on the right. From a squared pass, Michael West scuffed his attempt to convert, but the ball deflected to fellow substitute Lee Mulvaney in space and he lashed it into the roof of the net. Five minutes later, Prescot centre-back Karl Bell knocked the ball in the net from an uncleared corner, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Newnes then made a good block as Price shrugged off a challenge and bore down on goal eight minutes from the end. Kendal retained possession well after that to keep their two-goal cushion and take a very valuable three points ahead of the trip to bottom of the table Lincoln United this Saturday.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Rob Henry - 3 David Standley SUB Lee Mulvaney (45 mins) - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman SUB Andy Leigh (87 mins) - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Michael West (55 mins) - 10 Paul Fildes - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs 12 Andy Leigh - 14- Lee Mulvaney - 15 Michael West

KENDAL GOALS - Michael Cole 15 - Ian Kilford 37 - Lee Mulvaney 62

ATTENDANCE - 286

KENDAL Town put in a below-par display when losing 2-0 at Unibond Premier Division bottom club Lincoln United on Saturday. In a lacklustre first half, Lee Mulvaney had a shot just off target and Gareth Arnison saw a near-post effort turned away for a corner. Instead Lincoln struck in injury time before half time from a free kick when Ashley Foyle rose at the far post to head home. In the second half, Town stepped up a gear and Paul Byrne saw a free kick come off the inside of the post, while Arnison frustratingly failed to connect only a yard out with the goal beckoning. Instead Kendal conceded a second goal when sub Danny Brookes raced through to make it 2-0. Byrne saw a volley come off the crossbar, but Kendal could not argue with the result.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Rob Henry - 3 Callum Warburton - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 7 Carl Osman SUB Andy Leigh (77 mins) - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Gareth Arnison SUB Lee Ashcroft (58 mins) - 10 Lee Mulvaney SUB Craig Hobson (45 mins) - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs 12 Lee Ashcroft - 14 Craig Hobson - 15 Andy Leigh

KENDAL Town enjoyed their most emphatic Unibond League Premier Division win of the season, a 4-0 home victory over Stamford on Saturday. After soaking up early Stamford pressure, Kendal combined style and substance for another vital three points and went ahead after 26 minutes. Keeper David Newnes's long kick forward skimmed off a Stamford centre-back Lee Colkin and into the path of the lively Fildes, who raced through to finish clinically with a shot to the left of the keeper. Manager Lee Ashcroft was masterminding some clever play up front and half-chances fell for Michael Cole and Carl Osman without them testing the keeper. However, Stamford's hopes took a turn for the worse when reduced to 10 men as attacking midfielder Chris Gray was sent off in the 38th minute after Kendal defender George Melling was floored by an elbow off the ball, and Kendal remained on top as half time arrived with them still 1-0 ahead. Kendal lacked a little focus at the start of the second half but Stamford skipper Garath Pritchard fired over in front of goal with only David Newnes to beat. That scare galvanised Kendal and Paul Byrne narrowly fired wide after seizing on a loose pass. Kendal again went close to scoring a second goal when Paul Fildes raced clear but Chris Sanna saved off his legs and then Osman burst through the middle on to Ashcroft's squared pass, beat his man only to turn the ball agonisingly wide of the far post. At the other end, Kirk was finding plenty of space and was left in the clear again, but Newnes made a brave save at his feet. Instead Kendal finished with a flourish, making it 2-0 with 15 minutes to go through Ian Kilford. Standley's ball forward found Ashcroft, who cut inside and stroked a inch-perfect far-post pass to Osman and his quick acceleration took him past the last man. Although the keeper saved the initial shot, the ball rebounded out to Kilford who lashed a fierce low drive into the back of the unguarded net. Four minutes later, it was 3-0 as Osman scampered away down the right and pulled the ball back for substitute Craig Hobson to turn it towards the far post where Byrne tapped in. Kendal's fouth goal came eight minutes from the end of normal time when Byrne crossed from the left and Hobson arrived with perfect timing to divert the ball past the keeper inside the six-yard box. Michael Cole's free kick forced a diving save from Sanna in the closing stages, while Stamford spurned a chance of a consolation when Pritchard was left with only Newnes to beat, but steered a poor attempt wide of the far post. A great display from Kendal, who now go to high-flying Gateshead on Good Friday before returning home for an Easter Monday afternoon duel with Marine.

TEAM :- 1. David Newnes - 2. Neil Murphy - 3. David Standley - 4. Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5. George Melling - 6. Micheael Cole - 7. Carl Osman - 8. Ian Kilford SUB (Callum Warburton 83 mins) - 9. Lee Ashcroft SUB (Craig Hobson 75 mins) - 10. Paul Fides SUB (Lee Mullvaney 80 mnis) - 11. Paul Byrne Kendal Town goals :- Fildes 26 Kilford 75 Burne 79 Hobson 82

Attendance 231

It was not a Good Friday for Kendal Town as they had to battle high winds and league high flyers Gateshead eager to reverse a recent slip in form. With the strong wind at their backs in the first half Town started brightly, but with only 6 minutes gone Gateshead were awarded a penalty and Phil Cave calmly put the ball in the bottom left corner of the net to give the home side the lead. Kendal had the better of the half but attempts on goal were few and far between, a Paul Fildes effort was easily saved by Musselwhite and Carl Osman failed to connect with a header after some good approach play. A strong defensive effort by the home side and some poor Kendal finishing meant that the Gateshead ‘keeper was rarely troubled.

With the wind at their backs the second half belonged to Gateshead who extended their lead on 56 minutes when Steve Bowey fired home after Kendal failed to deal with a corner. Gateshead made sure of the points on 69 minutes when substitute Paul Brayson chipped the ball over David Newnes to make it 3-0. With a home game against Marine on Monday Town will be looking to regain their scoring touch and move further out of the danger zone.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Neil Murphy SUB Andy Leigh (46 mins) - 3 David Standley SUB Callum Warburton (79 mins) - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee Mulvaney - 10 Paul Fildes SUB Craig Hobson (53 mins) - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs - 12 Craig Hobson - 14 Andy Leigh - 15 Callum Warburton

Attendance 398 - Gatesheads second largest crowd of the season

Even the most optimistic Kendal fan could not have forecast how this game would turn out. A massive win for Kendal Town. Marine's Shaun Tuck had the first chance of the game, but the Kendal 'keeper David Newnes reacted quickly coming out to stifle the attempt. The 388 fans who braved a sunny, but chilly afternoon were yet to witness the onslaught from Kendal Town. Chances for Ian Kilford and Carl Osman were wasted before Town went 1-0 up on 23 minutes when a Paul Byrne corner was headed on by Tony Hallam into the path of Marine's Darren Brookfield who sends the ball into his own net. Lee Ashcroft has a shot blocked just a minute later and a Michael Cole shot goes wide from distance. Kendal pressure pays off on 30min. when Carl Osman scores his first of the afternoon after a Lee Ashcroft shot is blocked. Shortly after, Ashcroft has another great shot blocked and Carl Osman then sets up Ashcroft only to see his shot well saved. It's is all Kendal now! Marine's No 3 Ricky Newell is booked for a foul on Osman but Ian Kilford's shot goes wide from the resulting free kick. A great effort from Marines left back Newell goes around the Kendal wall, but is well saved by David Newnes. The second half starts with 2 good chances to Gareth Arnison, but both are well saved by Marine keeper Andy Ralph. On 60 minutes Carl Osman increases the Kendal Town lead to 3-0 after another Lee Ashcroft shot is blocked. Kendal Town are now rampant and Carl Osman and Lee Ashcroft are running the show completely. On 67 minutes David Standley runs down the left wing and delivers a brilliant cross but nobody can get on the end of it. It comes back to him and he drills it into the net. 71 minutes into the game Paul Fildes is brought down in the penalty area by Marines Ricky Newell who receives a second yellow card and is sent off. Carl Osman completes his hat trick from the spot to make it 5-0 to Kendal Town. Paul Byrne blocks a couple of good efforts from Marine's no.7 Darren Brookfield but this is Kendal's day as they create further chances by Filde's, Arnison and Cole before Michael Cole makes it 6-0 on 81 minutes. A excellent display from Kendal Town today and only some fine goalkeeping by Andy Ralph saved further embarrassment for Marine. Kendal now have a bit of breathing room as they prepare for the game against Ashton United on the weekend. For Marine today’s game probably puts an end to their playoff hopes.

TEAM - 1 David Newnes - 2 Neil MurphySUB (Craig Hobson 67 mins) - 3 David Standley GOAL 67 - 4 Tony Hallam(Captain) - 5 George MellingSUB (Lee Mulvaney 61 mins) - 6 Michael Cole GOAL 81 - 7 Carl Osman GOAL 30, 60 71 (pen) - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee AshcroftSUB Paul Fildes (69 mins) - 10 Gareth Arnison - 11 Paul Byrne Subs - 12 Paul Fildes - 14 Craig Hobson - 15 Lee Mulvaney

Kendal Goals - Brookfield [og] 23 - Osman 30 - Osman 60 - Standley 67 - Osman 71(pen) - Cole 81

Man of the Match - Kendal Town - Carl Osman.......Marine - Darren Brookfield

Attendance 388

This was game where Kendal Town will feel as though they have dropped two points rather than taken one. From being comfortable at half time, a 2 minute period in the second half turned the game on it’s head. Ashton United had started the brighter of the two sides, but the Kendal Town defense seemed to have the measure of them . The first real chance of the game came when Ashton looked to have sprung Town's offside trap and Nathan Wharton should have put the home side one up, but he wasted the chance. On 7 minutes Town made them pay for that miss as Player/Manager Lee Ashcroft pounced on a rebound to score after a Carl Osman shot had hit the bar. The weather worsened further and the game was now being played in torrential rain. A move started by Gareth Arnison to Carl Osman resulted in a low cross which appeared to be handled by an Ashton defender in the area but no penalty was given. Ashton then had a spell of pressure when Dean Canning had a shot blocked and full back Danny Caldecott had an effort easily saved by David Newnes. Kendal's Paul Byrne's cross was headed back into the area by Osman but Ian Kilford was quickly closed down by the Ashton defense. Kendal Town were now getting on top of the game and Michael Cole went close twice in as many minutes, another great pass from Byrne set up Arnison but again the Ashton ‘keeper made a good save. Ashton’s Canning had another shot well saved by Newnes while at the other end Lee Ashcroft reacted to hesitancy in the Ashton defense to set up Kilford, who had his shot is blocked. One minute later Arnison went past the Ashton defense and rounded the ‘keeper, but as he tried to cross the ‘keeper made an excellent recovery to snuff out the danger. On 36 minutes the best move of the match sees Paul Byrne rifle in an unstoppable shot to send Kendal Town 2-0 up After a quiet start the seconf half sprung to life when on 62 minutes Ian Fitzpatrick struck a tremendous shot that Newnes had no chance of stopping to bring the home side back into the match. Kendal Town were still reeling from this, when just two minutes later, Ashton leveled the score as a defensive mix up allowed Matthew Flynn to score. After this setback it was all Kendal Town as they went in search of a winner. Goalmouth scramble after scramble saw shots saved, blocked, hit the bar and turned off the line. An onslaught that would normally have seen a winning goal for Kendal Town was time and time again denied. Carl Osman hit the bar for the second time in the game with a stunning header. Ashton made a triple substitution late on to try and stem the flow of Kendal pressure but as if to emphasize that it was not to be Kendal's day, Carl Osman hit the bar for the third time, with the last kick of the match. A point gained towards safety, but on reflection, Town will rightly feel that on any another day it would have been 3. Next up for Kendal is a visit to Parkside by Ilkeston on Tuesday evening.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 David Newnes - 2 Neil Murphy SUB Callum Warburton (60 mins) - 3 David Standley SUB Lee Mulvaney (72 mins) - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Paul Fildes (66 mins) - 10 Gareth Arnison - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs - 12 Paul Fildes - 14 Lee Mulvaney - 15 Callum Warburton.

GOALS - Kendal Town - Lee Ashcroft 7 - Paul Byrne 36

..............Ashton United - Fitzpatrick 62 - Flynn 64

M.O.M. - Michael Cole (Kendal Town) - Matthew Flynn (Ashton United)

ATTENDANCE - 146

1st April 2008 On a very blustery night, the only thing of note in the opening 15 minutes of the game was the physical nature of the match. Tackles were flying in all over the park. Ilkeston went ahead on 17 minutes when Gavin Knight struck a low hard drive past David Newnes from an acute angle. However the lead didn't last long as Player/Manager Lee Ashcroft leveled the score on 20 minutes. A great last ditch block by David Standley denied Ilkeston's Lee Featherstone moments later while at the other end Paul Byrne made a great break down the left wing only to be brought down on the edge of the area, however the resulting free kick was wasted. Gareth Arnison snatched at a chance, but couldn't steer it goal wards and brilliant header from Ashcroft was tipped over the bar by the Ilkeston 'keeper Phil Senior Ilkeston had a chance to go ahead when Featherstone had another shot blocked just before the first half came to an end. With the score tied at 1-1 the second half started with Kendal Town Captain Tony Hallam seeing his effort scrambled off the Ilkeston goal-line. Lee Ashcroft put Kendal Town 2-1 up on 55 minutes with his second goal of the game, a deft finish at the back post following good work from Lee Mulvaney. Ilkeston almost got back on level terms immediately but David Newnes pulled off a great save to deny Richard Teasdale. The defining moment of the game came on 65 minutes when Hallam handled a goal bound effort and was given a straight red card. Ross Gardner converted the penalty to make it 2-2. Ilkeston pressed forward in search of the winner and Gardner had a good header saved by Newnes minutes later. 10 man Kendal Town were reduced to playing on the break and on one such break Paul Fildes appeared to be brought down on the edge of the box, but the referee saw nothing wrong with the challenge. In the late stages Kendal Town were forced into tactical changes all over the field. Substitute Craig Hobson and full back David Standley became the centre half partnership and the excellent Paul Byrne stepped into the left back position. Considering all this, Kendal Town did really well to come back into the game late on with Osman, Fildes and Mulvaney linking well up front. A point gained toward survival considering all that had gone on. On the downside both Ian Kilford and George Melling had to leave the field through injury and Tony Hallam will be lost to suspension.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 David Newnes - 2 Andy Leigh - 3 David Standley - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 George Melling SUB Craig Hobson (32 mins) - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Ian Kilford SUB Lee Mulvaney (27 mins) - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Paul Fildes (70 mins) - 10 Gareth Arnison - 11 Paul Byrne - Subs - 12 Paul Fildes - 14 Craig Hobson - 15 Lee Mulvaney

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Lee Ashcroft 20 & 55

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ILKESTON TOWN - Knight 17 - Gardner 65 [P]

M.O.M. - KENDAL TOWN - Paul Byrne

..............ILKESTON TOWN - Justin Walker

ATTENDANCE - 281

Contrary to the forecast the game started in glorious sunshine, and Town without the injured George Melling and Neil Murphy having the better of the first 30 minutes. Carl Osman had the first effort of the game, but his shot only found the side netting. A great save from Kendal Town 'keeper David Newnes denied Whitby's top scorer Danny Brunskill just a minute later before a flicked on header from Kendal’s Gareth Arnison just bounced out of Lee Ashcroft's reach. A long clearance from Newnes evaded everyone and fell to Osman, but he lifted his first timed effort wide of the goal. While a one on one challenge between Ashcroft and the Whitby 'keeper resulted in the Player/Manager being shown a yellow card. A through ball from Ian Kilford set up Arnison, but his weak effort was easily saved. It was all attacking pressure from Kendal Town at this stage, but on 34 minutes the visitors broke out and Karl Charlton put them one up. The bad weather that had been forecast arrived and Whitby also had to weather a spell of pressure as Kendal Town were desperately unlucky not to equalize before half time when Lee Ashcroft saw his strike hit the post. Paul Fildes came off the bench at the start of the second half for Lee Ashcroft. and what a substitution it proved to be !! Kendal took the game to the visitors and Arnison had a shot go wide from a good position which was the signal for the Paul Fildes show to begin. On 52 minutes Fildes leveled the score at 1-1 with a cool finish from a Carl Osman cross. On 60 minutes Fildes put Kendal Town 2-1 when he grabbed his second of the match. Fildes was causing all kind of problems for the Whitby backline with his constant harrowing and as the sun returned Kendal Town warmed to their task. Arnison shot over from the edge of the area and a Michael Cole free kick was well saved. A couple of Whitby half chances came to nothing. Then on 79 minutes Paul Fildes grabbed his hat-trick as he beat two defenders before neatly shooting past the advancing 'keeper to make it 3-1 to Kendal Town. Incredibly Fildes nearly claimed a fourth goal, but the 'keeper was out smartly to make the block. Newnes saved well from Whitby substitute Anthony Ormerod as the visitors looked to get back in the game. In an eventful 5 minutes of added time a couple of players were involved in a scuffle in the Whiby half however the referee allowed play to continue and Whitby broke into the Kendal Town area. Ian Kilford was adjudged to have fouled a Whitby forward and a penalty was awarded with Matty Appleby scoring from the spot to make it 3-2 with the last kick of the game. An important three points gained today by Kendal Town in what was in effect a 6 pointer against one of the teams in the relegation battle. An excellent performance that saw them rise to 12th in the table. With just 5 games left Kendal Town will be looking to continue their recent good form and consolidate there league position in another 6 pointer at Leek Town on Tuesday evening.

KENDAL TOWN - 1. David Newnes - 2. Andy Leigh - 3. Paul Byrne (Captain)SUB Jon Forbes (82 mins) - 4. Ian Kilford - 5. David Standley - 6. Michael Cole - 7. Carl Osman - 8. Callum Warburton - 9. Lee Ashcroft SUB Paul Fildes(46 mins) - 10. Gareth Arnison SUB Craig Hobson (85 mins) - 11. Lee Mulvaney - SUBS - 12. Paul Fildes - 14. Jon Forbes - 15. Crig Hobson

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Paul Fildes 52 - 60 & 79

..............WHITBY TOWN - Charlton 34 - Appleby 90 [P]

M.O.M. - KENDAL TOWN - Paul Fildes

..............WHITBY TOWN - Christopher Scott

ATTENDANCE - 246

Kendal Town went into this game missing key players like Captain Tony Hallam, Neil Murphy, Gareth Arnison and the influential Paul Byrne. To make matters worse George Melling was forced out of the game during the warm up when he turned an ankle on the bog of a pitch. Kendal started quickly with Paul Fildes in on goal in the opening minute, but the 'keeper was smartly off his line to make the save. Just a minute later Leek Town had the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside. At the other end Kendal won a corner after good run from Craig Hobson and Carl Osman was unlucky to see his header saved on the line. Leek had their share of chance particularly from Colin Daniel who had a couple of good efforts turned aside. An even first half saw chances shared by both sides with no reward as the half finished scoreless. The second half proved to be a disaster for Kendal Town. Colin Daniel put the home side ahead on 47 minutes with a delicate finish past Newnes. Kendal Town responded with a succession of corners one of which resulted in a Carl Osman header being cleared off the line. Another Osman shot could only be parried by the Leek 'keeper to Paul Fildes, the ball was smashed home by him, only to see the flag go up for a questionable offside . A defensive mix up on 58 minutes saw Leek's Steve Brannan make it 2-0. Shortly after that Kendal’s Michael Cole had a free kick that just cleared the bar while at the other end Leek almost extended their lead when a corner was cleared off the line and fell to Nick Ward, only for the defender blasted over from close in. Leek were then awarded a penalty on 74 minutes and their Captain Anthony Danylyk made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0. Zach Clarke was played in with a one on one with their 'keeper, but the 'keeper saved at his feet. The home side then made it 4-0 on 84 minutes as Colin Daniel grabbed his second of the game. A catalogue of errors presented Leek with a fifth goal on 92 minutes, a sequence of events that rather summed up a very poor second half from Kendal Town. So now its off to Worksop on the weekend as the season enters the final weeks with still a lot to be settled at the top and bottom of the league. Only Lincoln have been relegated so far and with 12 other teams still not safe it will be an interesting if trying few weeks.

KENDAL TOWN - 1. David Newnes - 2. Jon Forbes SUB Rob Henry (70 mins) - 3. David Standley (Captain) - 4. Ian Kilford - 5. Craig Hobson - 6. Michael Cole - 7. Carl Osman - 8. Callum Warburton - 9. Lee Ashcroft SUB Zach Clarke (46 mins) - 10. Paul Fildes - 11. Lee Mulvaney - Subs - 12. Zach Clarke - 14. Rob Henry - 15. George Melling

GOALS - LEEK TOWN - Daniel 47 - Brannan 58 - Danylyk 74 [P] - Daniel 84 - Briscoe 90

M.O.M. - KENDAL TOWN - Paul Fildes

..............LEEK TOWN - Steve Brannan

ATTENDANCE - 192

Kendal Town returned from Nottinghamshire with a vital point, but it could have easily been all three points. Kendal Town were bolstered by the return of several key players that had missed the game at Leek Town earlier in the week. Captain Tony Hallam, Paul Byrne, Gareth Arnison and Neil Murphy all making the starting line up, though David Standley and George Melling weren't risked. It was Kendal Town that started the game the brighter and went ahead on just 5 minutes as Ian Kilford smashed home a shot after the Worksop defence had failed to deal with a Michael Cole corner from the left. For the home side, Kevin Sanasay had a shot that beat Kendal Town 'keeper David Newnes, but it hit the far post and was cleared by the Kendal defence. Kendal Town were on top for large sections of the first half as Carl Osman was denied at the far post by the home 'keeper Stephen Hernandez. and Kevin Dawson and Henandez then combined to thwart another Kendal Town attack. So Kendal Town went in at half time with a deserved lead. Worksop started the second half looking for an equalizer and Newnes had to save well from Andy White. Sanasay took advantage of a rare error by Newnes and set up Todd Wood, his fierce shot was blocked however. A spell of Kendal pressure followed with Lee Ashcroft breaking through the Worksop defence ont to pull his shot wide of the goal. Lee Mulvaney then found Ashcroft, who in turn, set up Gareth Arnison but he volleyed wide. Arnison then had a shot brilliantly tipped round the post by the excellent Hernandez and Lee Mulvaney was unlucky to strike the post as Kendal Town looked to seal the points. Worksop’s substitute then saw his deflected effort superbly saved by Newnes followed moments later by disappointment for Town as Kendal's Carl Osman was fouled just outside the area, the referee played the advantage as he kept going only to be fouled again inside the area, to Kendal’s dismay play was called back for the original foul and the referee awarded the free kick outside the box.. Just minutes away from a great victory, Kendal were hit on the break as Kevin Sansay struck a fierce shot that hit the under side of the bar and went in to level the match on 86 minutes. That made the game 1-1 and that's how it finished. Kendal Town now face Matlock Town twice in a week knowing that a win in either game would surely guarantee top flight Unibond football next season.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 David Newnes - 2 Neil Murphy SUB Andy Leigh (61 mins) - 3 Paul Byrne - 4 Tony Hallam (Captain) - 5 Ian Kilford - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Callum Warburton - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Paul Fildes (75 mins) - 10 Gareth Arnison - 11 Lee Mulvaney - SUBS - 12 Andy Leigh - 14 Paul Fildes - 15 Craig Hobson...Not used

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Kilford 5

..............WORKSOP TOWN - Sanasay 86

M.O.M. - KENDAL TOWN - Paul Byrne

............. WORKSOP TOWN - Stephen Hernandez

ATTENDANCE - 248

A mixture of poor finishing, great goalkeeping and bizarre officiating cost Kendal Town dearly in this relegation dogfight. The night had started badly enough with the news that Kendal Town 'keeper David Newnes was unable to play due to a knock he had taken at Worksop at the weekend. Ryan Yeomans was drafted in to deputise for him. The game finally got under way after two earlier postponements with good early pressure from Kendal Town that saw Lee Mulvaney shoot wide after Lee Ashcroft had chested the ball down for him and Ashcroft then have a shot saved by Matlock 'keeper Andy Richmond. Moments later Craig Hobson was just beaten to the ball by Richmond to snuff out another threat. For the home side, Dene Cropper forced a fine save from Yeomans then Matlock skipper Simon Barraclough was played in, but with only the 'keeper to beat, he skied the ball over the bar. At the other end Lee ashcroft shot wide after good work from Hobson. It was difficult at this point for either team to get any rhythm to their game due to the constant whistle from a fussy referee. The opening goal of the game went to Kendal Town on 30 minutes, when Carl Osman headed home a Paul Byrne corner. Just one minute later Osman could have doubled the lead, but he blasted his effort over the bar. It was now that the heavens opened and there was a torrential down pour. The final ten minutes of the first half saw Kendal Town not only lose their lead but go 2-1 down. Firstly, Barraclough scored on the break on 35 minutes to level the game and then on 45 minutes Paul Riley put the home side in front against the run of play. The second half began with pressure from Kendal as they looked for the equalizer. The first chance of the half fell to Craig Hobson, but he headed wide, however Kendal leveled the game on 52 minutes when Carl Osman headed in his second goal of the night. The parity didn't last long as Barraclough grabbed his second of the night when he scored at the back post to make it 3-2 on 60 minutes. Kendal were not out of the game and Carl Osman struck a beautiful effort that looked destined for the corner of the goal, but 'keeper Richmond made a brilliant diving save to deny him. Paul Byrne then shot wide as the subsequent corner was cleared to him. Osman was brought down right in front of the dugout, but neither of the officials saw fit to award a free kick. Another Osman cross was directed towards goal by substitute Paul Fildes, but Richmond again turned it past the post.….only for a goal kick to be awarded. A mistimed challenge by Kendal's Neil Murphy saw him harshly being shown a straight red card and moments later Matlock were ahead 4-2 as Callum Warburton put the ball in his own net on 81 minutes. Kendal Town kept going and Paul Byrne was clear in on goal with only the 'keeper to beat, however Matlock’s man of the Match, 'keeper Richmond, denied Kendal again. Paul Fildes did manage to beat the 'keeper, but his effort was cleared off the line. A incident that summed up Kendal’s evening occurred in the last minute of the game. As the players were running back from a Kendal Town corner, Michael Cole (looking at the flight of the clearance) accidentally ran into the referee, for this he was shown a straight red card. An amazing decision that upset the Kendal Town bench so much that the referee then sent Manager Lee Ashcroft from the dugout. This bizarre action from the match officials, had even the Matlock Town bench protesting the Kendal Town player's innocence and the club are considering appealing what they consider to be a totally wrong decision . With only two games left in the season and still not safe Towns last home game against Matlock Town on Saturday is a must win game for Ashys' men.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 Ryan Yeomans - 2 Neil Murphy - 3 Paul Byrne (Captain) - 4 Ian Kilford - 5 David Standley - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Callum Warburton - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Paul Fildes (70 mins) - 10 Craig Hobson - 11 Lee Mulvany SUB Rob Henry (78 mins) - SUBS - 12 Jonathan Forbes...Not used - 14 Paul Fildes - 15 Rob Henry

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Carl Osman 30 & 52

..............MATLOCK TOWN - Barraclough 35 - Riley 45 - Barraclough 60 - Warburton [og] 81

M.O.M. - KENDAL TOWN - Carl Osman

..............MATLOCK TOWN - Andy Richmond

ATTENDANCE - 243

An afternnon of high drama and quite a few nerves saw Kendal Town grab the points they needed for top flight Unibond fooftball again next season. No fewer than three penalties were awarded in the game accounting for all the scoring. Before the game started Paul Byrne was presented with The Supporter's Player Of The Season trophy.David Newnes had shrugged off an injury and took his place in the Kendal Town goal. Kendal Town started brightly and had some good early possession, but it was Matlock's Matty Cauldwell that has the first effort on goal, lifting the ball over the bar. Kendal Town responded with a good move that involved Lee Mulvaney, Lee Ashcroft and Carl Osman who played in Gareth Arnison who shot just wide. It was a fine, sunny day but it was very windy. A Michael Cole free kick was blocked and the ball fell to Arnison but he failed to turn it in, the ball then fell to Ian Kilford but his shot was deflected wide. On 28 minutes Osman was tripped and the referee pointed to the spot. Lee Ashcroft stepped up and lashed in the spot kick, almost breaking the back of the net. Shortly after this Ashcroft picked up an injury and was replaced by Craig Hobson. The rest of the half was prety even with no further incidents before the half time whistle. The second half started with Kendal Town's best move of the match, starting in their own area Neil Murphy,Kilford, Mulvaney, Ashcroft and Osman linked beautifully to set up Arnison, only to see his effort on goal saved. Paul Byrne superbly challenged to stop a Matlock attack that was in full flow. Matlock's Ryan Laight then had a header saved by Newnes and Matlock substitute Ben Kistell struck a fine free kick that was again well saved by Newnes. Matlock were now having a greater share of the possession, but Kendal Town were looking dangerous on the break. The second penalty of the game went to Matlock on 78 minutes and Dene Cropper equalised to level the score. But within three minutes the referee was again pointing to the spot, this time he spotted a handball by a Matlock Town defender. Michael Cole finished it superbly to put Kendal Town 2-1 up on 81 minutes. A great effort from sub Paul Fildes flew just wide and then Osman nearly beat the 'keeper in injury time. At the final whistle the relief was tangable as the players applauded the crowd and the crowd cheered them from the field. A roller coster of a game finished with Kendal Town knowing they are staying up, in fact the victory lifted Kendal Town up to 10th position in the table. We can now go to Guiseley for the last game of the season feeling a lot better. Well done to Ashy and all of the lads.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 David Newnes - 2 Neil Murphy- 3 Paul Byrne (Captain) - 4 David Standley - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Lee Ashcroft SUB Craig Hobson (35 mins) - 10 Gareth Arnison SUB Paul Fildes (56 mins) - 11 Lee Mulvaney SUB Callum Warburton (83 mins) - Subs - 12 Paul Fildes - 14 Craig Hobson - 15 Callum Warburton

MATLOCK TOWN - 1 Andy Richmond - 2 Steve Circuit - 3 Paul Riley - 4 Nathan Benger SUB Ruben Wiggins-Thomas (72 mins) - 5 Ryan Laight - 6 James Lukic - 7 Gary Webster SUB Matty Thorpe (60 mins) - 8 Jamie Donnelly-Jackson - 9 Dene Cropper GOAL 78 (pen) - 10 Simon Barraclough - 11 Matty Cauldwell SUB Ben Kistell (56 mins) - Subs - 12 Ben Kistell - 14 Ruben Wiggins-Thomas - 15 Matty Thorpe

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Lee Ashcroft 28 (pen) - Michael Cole 81 (pen)

..............MATLOCK TOWN - Dene Cropper 78 (pen)

M.O.M - KENDAL TOWN - Michael Cole

.............MATLOCK TOWN - James Lukic

ATTENDANCE - 277

A missed penalty,squandered scoring opportunities and some inspired goalkeeping from Guiseleys Piotr Skiba scuppered Kendal Towns' hopes of signing off the campaign in winning fashion at the weekend. Guiseley themselves still had play off aspirations needing a victory and relying on results elswhere whilst Kendal Town boss Lee Ashcroft once again experimented with his formation starting with a five man midfield . The Yorkshire side saw plenty of the ball in the opening minutes but it was Kendal Town who had an opportunity to open the scoring when Guiseley defender Simon Sturdy fouled Carl Osman inside the area and it was Michael Cole who took the spot kick,however his effort came back off the cross bar. Minutes later the home side punished Kendal Town with a clinical Sean Taylforth strike after they had failed to close down the midfield .He raced down the left flank and unleashed a sweet shot beyond Kendal keeper David Newnes on 31 minutes. Kendal Town almost cancelled that effort out late in the half as Lee Mulvaney and Paul Fildes both had decent efforts well saved by Skiba . Fildes successfully sprung the offside trap at the start of the second half only to be denied by another neat save from Skiba but moments later on 57 minutes, Cole made amends for his earlier miss when his shot from the edge of the area went in off the post after a Paul Byrne free kick had been half cleared. Mulvaney and Gareth Arnison then wasted two good opportunities as Kendal Town dominated but Guiseley's Gavin Knight proved more convincing in front of goal when he cashed in on a weak back pass from town captain Tony Hallam to put his side back in front on 74mins. But Kendal Town rallied well and piled on the pressure as Arnison dragged a shot wide of target and sub Craig Hobson saw his header strike the underside of the bar and bounce on the line but Guiseley held on for the points.

KENDAL TOWN - 1 David Newnes - 2 David Standley - 3 Paul Byrne - 4 Tony Hallam (captain) - 5 George Melling - 6 Michael Cole - 7 Carl Osman - 8 Ian Kilford - 9 Paul Fildes - 10 Callum Warburton - 11 Lee Mulvaney - Subs - 12 Gareth Arnison rep. Kilford 35mins - 13 Craig Hobson rep. Standley 64mins 14 - Andy Leigh rep. Melling 15min

GUISELEY -1 Piotr Skiba - 2 Nathan Hay - 3 Dave Merris - 4 Lee Crooks - 5 Danny Ellis - 6 Simon Sturdy - 7 Jonathan Fernandez - 8 Richard Dunning - 9 Aron Wilford - 10 Gavin Knight - 11 Sean Taylforth - Subs - 12 Bailey Camfield - 14 James Cotterill - 15 Damian Dunne

M.O.M - .KENDAL TOWN - CARL OSMAN

..............GUISELEY - PIOTR SKIBA

GOALS - KENDAL TOWN - Cole 57

..............GUISELEY - Taylforth 31 - Knight 74

ATTENDANCE - 412...............................................................................................................................