A TENSE Kendal derby was won by United as Celtic remain in the bottom two of the Westmorland Football League.

The first half was a fairly even affair as both sides looked to break the deadlock, which Alistair Wilson did for Kendal United in the 15th minute from the penalty spot.

A Dan Butcher header levelled the game just before half time.

United hit the post early in the second half but they took the lead in the 65th minute when David Crierie bagged the goal, and there was time for United to hit the bar in the second half as United picked up three points.

Appleby stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points after beating bottom of the table Sedbergh Wanderers.

After 25 minutes Appleby took the lead when the ball fell kindly to Liam Dent, who slotted home.

Sedbergh put the league leaders under pressure for the first 20 minutes of the second half but the defence held firm, and on a rare foray into the opposition half, Sowerby fed Jordan Crawford, who finished coolly to settle the visitors’ nerves.

The introduction of the returning Coward seemed to have a controlling influence on Appleby’s passing and further goals followed through Crawford and a free kick from David Nugent to make it 4-0.

Crawford completed his hattrick after finishing at the second attempt before setting up Scott Forrester, who completed the scoring at 6-0.

A goal from Daniel Nevinson was not enough for Ambleside United Reserves as they lost 2-1 at home to Wetheriggs United.

The visitors scored through Peter Askins and Barry Stockdale in a win that takes them up to third in the table.

Meanwhile Staveley United took Keswick to extra time in their Westmorland Senior Challenge Cup second round.

Staveley worked hard and took the lead when they broke down their left. The ball was swung in and a Staveley forward got in front of Thwaites to head into the roof of the net.

Hilton equalised shortly after when the ball fell to him after Little’s shot was blocked by the keeper.

Keswick had plenty of possession in the second half but they couldn’t find a way past Staveley as the game entered extra time.

With six minutes left Keswick thought they had the winner when Bannister struck a beauty past the keeper from the edge of the ‘D’, but Staveley went up the other end and smashed the ball into the top corner to level proceedings at 2-2.

But just as the game looked like it would go to penalties, substitute Stafford connected with a 25-yard screamer after getting past two men that nestled just in the bottom left hand corner to take Keswick through to the quarter-final.

In the Westmorland Benevolent Trophy, Lunesdale United cruised to an 8-1 victory at Division Three Greystoke, while Penrith Rangers triumphed 5-2 at Burneside.