A POOR second half performance against Chorley was the only disappointment for Kendal Town after a busy week for the Black and Whites over the Christmas period.

Although the Black and Whites lost all three matches since Boxing Day, there were plenty of positives to be gleaned from a new-look side that has only been brought together over the past couple of weeks.

Town boss Steve Edmondson was largely happy with his side’s performances, particularly in the unlucky 2-1 defeat to Frickley Athletic on Saturday, but he says episodes such as the Chorley capitulation, in which Kendal conceded four goals in 14 minutes, had to stop.

“I was very disappointed with the second half because we were excellent in the first 45 minutes,” Edmondson said.

“The turning point clearly was when we missed the chances early in the second half - if we’d have been 2-0 up it would have been game over. But they came and scored and we just collapsed.

“Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves we have to get up and get on with it and batten down the hatches. We’ve got some hard games coming up over January and if we play like that second half we’ll be in a worse position in the league than we are now.”

Those difficult matches start with a trip to table-topping North Ferriby United on Saturday, with third-placed Marine and Hednesford Town, second, also on the cards in January.

“North Ferriby will be a tough game but hopefully we can come away with something if possible,” Edmondson added.

“Our performance against Frickley was a hundred times better than the previous games and we were very unlucky not to get anything from the game.

“How Zach Clark’s effort stopped out of the goal beggars belief but it’s one of those things and that’s what happens when you’re down on your luck towards the bottom of the table.”

Kevin Brown signed for the club from Bamber Bridge on Friday, and he impressed at centre back on his debut on Saturday, adding some much-needed steel and experience to the Kendal back line.

He also forged a good understanding with fellow centre back Dean Overson, who only has a couple of weeks left on his loan from Bradford City.

Brown was taken off in the 4-1 loss to Chorley after picking up a knock, but Edmondson expects him to be fit for the North Ferriby game this weekend.

Winger Max Rothwell has also joined the club from Lancaster City, and Edmondson is hoping to make more additions to the squad over the next few weeks.

Goalkeeping cover for Craig Dootson is among the manager’s priorities, although midfielder Martin Grundy can deputise in goal should he be required, and scouts are scouring the leagues for players good enough to play for the Black and Whites.