AFTER Danny Mitchley reprised his role as Town’s tormentor-in-chief, boss Dave Foster hopes the return of the former Blackpool striker from injury can reignite Kendal’s season.

Despite missing five games with a groin problem, the 24-year-old remains the joint-leading scorer in the division, with his second-half strike against Ramsbottom United his 13th goal of the season.

With Darren Green not making the starting line-up since the 6-3 reverse at Salford and Jordan Connerton leaving for Lancaster City, the Mintcakes are increasingly reliant on his goalscoring exploits.

And as the campaign is at its halfway stage, Foster hopes Mitchley’s return can trigger a revival of fortune with Kendal now tenth in the league standings.

“Mitch is different class and you’ll always miss players like that but his return is a ray of sunshine in a gloomy world at the minute,” he said.

“There was an argument to start him at the weekend but Mike Rushton and Maison McGeechan did well in previous games.

“It’s important we look after him but hopefully we’ll have him back for the rest of the season and he’ll make a big difference to us – he took his goal on Saturday really well.

“We’re not on a good run at the moment, certainly since I’ve taken over – one win, a draw and far too many losses.

“Circumstances are difficult but we’re still in a healthy position although we need to put a run together – we’ve got a good squad and we’ll continue to play in the right way.

“I’ve told the lads to keep doing the right things at the right times and our luck will change, we’ve still got 20 odd games to go and we’re not giving up.”

With only one win in their last 11 matches, the Parkside Road club host Mossley this weekend before entertaining Darwen in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy on Tuesday.

While Ramsbottom ultimately left Parkside Road with maximum points last weekend, Foster believes Kendal were on the brink of snatching a draw until unsavoury scenes interrupted their momentum.

“The incident at the end came at the wrong time for us as we were building up a head of steam and looking like equalising,” he added.

“We conceded three disappointing goals which were all mistakes and lapses seem to be costing us dearly at the present time.

“We were certainly the better side in the second-half when we tried to get the ball down and play. We had a go but sadly it wasn’t enough.”