UTILITY man Jack Smith scored the opening goal as Kendal continued their pre-season preparations with a keenly-fought draw against a Fleetwood development side at Parkside Road.

Smith headed home a Lydon Hodgkiss cross on the stroke of half-time before Fleetwood forward David Moli equalised shortly before the hour mark.

Kendal manager Dave Foster named a strong starting line-up with Mark Jackson and Kieron Pickup joining forces in attack, with new signings Danny Wisdom, Kieran Walmsley and Tommy Watson all starting.

Fleetwood had the better of the early exchanges with Mintcakes’ keeper Danny McDonald turning behind a low shot from Moli before Max Cartwright fired straight at the former Lancaster City stopper.

Maison McGeechan featured for the home side but failed to overly trouble Fleetwood keeper Joe Taylor from the left corner of the area after being released by Pickup.

Pickup, a close season recruit from Padiham, linked well with strike partner Jackson and fired a 25-yard effort wide of Taylor’s right-hand post.

Fleetwood frontman Dominic Bell failed to find the net from close range after a strong Moli run down the right before the same player screwed an effort wide after 30 minutes.

Nick Houghton struck the base of post with a shot from the edge of the penalty area as Conor Smith sent another effort wide as Fleetwood enjoyed the majority of possession.

With half-time approaching, a period of Kendal pressure resulted in Hodgkiss standing up a cross to the far post and Smith powering a header past Taylor.

Neither side created many chances at the beginning of the second period until Fleetwood equalised after 58 minutes, as a Houghton cross was turned home by Moli.

As the game wore on, Houghton hooked over the crossbar before Moli had another sight of goal but failed to hit the target with a shot from range.

Foster ensured his matchday squad was given a full run out, with Matt Poole firing wide after a strong run although ultimately the workout ended level.

Kendal’s pre-season fixture programme continues on Saturday with a trip to West Yorkshire and a clash with Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Thackley.