A THIRD consecutive defeat in Saturday's game saw Kendal slip precariously close to relegation, with a 2 - 1 defeat against Lincoln Utd.

Such is the form of striker Craig Walmsley that Kendal Town boss Peter Smith had no hesitation in selecting the Milnthorpe Corinthians' player despite him having played in two midweek cup finals for his first claim club.

And it was Walmsley's volley in the 19th minute, which forced Lincoln keeper Simon Daniels into the first save of the match.

Three minutes later the visitors took the lead when Lee Cooper was first to seize on a loose ball before beating Kendal keeper Lee Ward at the near post.

On 37 minutes Walmsley's pace allowed him to race into a goal scoring position, but he delayed his shot and allowed Daniels to claim the ball from his feet.

A minute from the interval Lincoln's Chris Gray went on an unchallenged run from deep in his own half, but fortunately for Kendal his run ended in a wayward shot.

On 58 minutes Darren Smith had a chance to extend Lincoln's lead, but his second shot found the side netting after Ward had blocked his first.

It was a 69th minute free-kick which stunned Kendal as Ian Williams' curling effort found the top corner for a 2-0 lead.

Kendal responded with a Peter Whitehead effort, which Daniels did well to tip over the bar.

In the 87th minute Ian Lunt scored his first goal for Kendal from a close-range header.

He almost grabbed a later equalise in the dying second, but again Daniels made a good save.