KENDAL Town manager Lee Ashcroft says new signing Joe Bunney has the potential to play in the Football League after he produced two superb performances against Ilkeston last Saturday and Chorley on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old, who has represented England at Under 18 level, has scored four goals in his first three games since arriving from Lancaster City, and it was Bunney’s hassling and non-stop running that cajoled a Chorley defender into making the mistake which led to his winning goal on Tuesday night.

“If he sticks with me I’ll make him a League footballer,” Ashcroft said.

“The lad will improve with us and I’m going to work tirelessly to help his dream come true.”

Ashcroft was also delighted with the impact of forward Josh Amis, who has extended his loan with Kendal Town for another month.

Amis has been playing as an attacking right midfielder this week, a position he has never played before.

“Josh has only played in that position twice in his life and he is another boy with a bright future,” Ashcroft said.

“I’m chuffed to bits - his workrate and desire to be better than his opponent is excellent.”

The performances of the two epitomised a good week for Kendal Town - apart from a crazy last six minutes on Saturday which saw the Black and Whites let slip a 4-1 lead to draw 4-4 against Ilkeston - a result which Ashcroft called ‘a freak of a thing’.

Tuesday night saw the club exact revenge for last season’s Lancashire Cup final defeat to Chorley, knocking out one of the favourites for the competition in the process, as Kendal got their first victory in five games.

Another young player to impress on Tuesday night was new signing Conor Qualter.

The centre back has joined the Mintcakes on a month’s loan from FC Halifax Town having started his career on the books at Leeds United.

Going the other way Rory Winters has left the club having decided to join Lancaster City.

Town continue their run of crucial league fixtures this weekend when they entertain bottom club Stocksbridge Park Steels today, but Ashcroft says his side should have no problems if they repeat their performance from Tuesday night against Chorley.

“Saturday is a massive game but if we can put in a performance like the Chorley game then we’ll win.”

Paul Alexander is available for selection having completed his two-match suspension, but Alex Randell is still banned for another two games.