KENDAL United manager Richard Axford has the taste for silverware and is plotting a crack at the Westmorland Football League Division One title next season.
                                                                    
The Bulmire Stripes side lifted the High Sheriff’s Cup after defeating Kirkoswald 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out as skipper Robert Warwick slammed home the winning spot-kick.

Jason Tucker and Matt Regan twice gave Kendal Untied the lead, only for Sean Elliott and Chris Tuer to send the match into extra-time.

This represents Kendal United’s first trophy since winning the Division Two championship in 2011 and Axford hopes this success can act as a springboard for future glory.

“It’s always nice to finish with a trophy and have something to show for all the hard work through the season," he said.

“We didn’t quite do as well in the league as we’d hoped and perhaps in the end we had too many games to contend with given the size of our squad.

“But we really have to be looking to win the league next season, we have a good set of players and need to be pushing them to try and get the title in the bag – that’s the aim anyway.

“And if you’re serious about it you have to start pre-season early. Realistically, we now have five weeks off until we go again."

Meanwhile, Kendal United’s final home game of the league season on Tuesday saw Ambleside United Reserves claim a late equaliser to ensure a share of the spoils after a 2-2 draw.

This point, coupled with Burneside’s 6-4 defeat at home to Kirkoswald, means Ambleside United Reserves – who have one game remaining – can no longer finish in the bottom two.
                       
Windermere SC made it a league and cup double after defeating Keswick Reserves 3-1 in the final of the Mason &Freeman Cup at Shepherd’s Bridge, Coniston.

Reece Barnes, Peter Booth and Sam Fletcher scored the goals for Windermere SC as Sam Reilly replied for Keswick Reserves, completing a successful campaign for the Queen’s Park club.

Already crowned Division Two champions, Windermere SC played out a 1-1 against Unisun Athletic in their final match of the season to finish five points clear of closest rivals Kendal County Reserves.

Braithwaite and Coniston finished first and second respectively in Division Three, and the same two teams were set to do battle in the final of the Peter Daws Memorial Shield last night.

The final match in the Division Four programme saw Penrith Academy hammer Dent Reserves 6-0, with Friday’s Austinwren Cup final between Carleton Banks and Appleby Reserves the only outstanding business.