Kendal 3

Timperley Thirds 1

North West Division Four

PROMOTION contenders Kendal set out to play their first game in a month against Timperley Thirds this week and the lack of match play showed early on as the men in green were forced to fend off attack after attack from the visitors.

With some important challenges being made by defensive trio Iain Donaldson, Neil Moysey and man of the match Chris Woodman, Kendal settled and hit Timperley on the counter attack in blistering fashion.

Tom Daley combined with Nick Davis to thread the ball through the Timperley defence to Ewan Galloway, who gave Kendal a 1-0 lead going into half time.

Timperley rallied in the second half and claimed a goal back courtesy of a penalty stroke.

A quick change in formation to bring on a second striker saw the momentum swing in Kendal's favour as Steve Barclay's clever volley gave Kendal the lead again following good work from Aaron Screen.

The visitors began to tire having only brought 11 players and Davis found Galloway once more late in the game, who delivered a deft chip over the on-rushing keeper and into the net to seal a 3-1 win for the home side.

Kendal face league leaders Golborne next, knowing that a win could see them move within one point of the top spot with a game in hand.

Windermere 3

Carlisle 1

North West Division Three

WINDERMERE go into their Christmas break with a six-point lead over closest rivals Lancaster University after extending their winning run to 11 games in the Cumbrian derby over Carlisle.

The visitors only fielded 10 men but they fought hard to match Mere, who dictated play with their patient, passing game.

Incisive running onto passes from Harry Jackson and Steve Heyns brought a penalty corner that was clinically despatched by Will Dolman and Richard Jackson kept his head in a crowded D to draw the keeper and score Mere's second.

Dolman bagged Mere's third from another penalty corner and although a penalty stroke gave Carlisle hope, the result was never really in doubt.

Mere created more chances in the second half and were only denied by valiant Carlisle defending.

By contrast, the home defence was largely untroubled and Joe Kay looked very comfortable when he came on for his first team debut.

Meanwhile Kirkby Lonsdale beat Liverpool Sefton Fourths 4-1 to move up to second in Division Seven North, two points behind West Derby Seconds.