PADIHAM striker Louis Mayers scored two goals in eight minutes to condemn Kendal Town to defeat in their first home league game of the campaign.

The Mintcakes had taken the lead just after half-time through Rob Wilson but were immediately pegged back with Mayers' quickfire double.

The number 9 powered home a free header from a corner before smashing home a 25 yard free-kick moments after to send Padiham back down the M6 with three points in the bag.

Kendal manager Dave Foster named an unchanged side from the team that battled for a goalless draw on the opening day away at Northwich Victoria.

And it was the home side who had the lions share of chances in the first 45 minutes.

Centre-half Ricky Mercer could have had a hat-trick on another day as he showed his strength in the box meeting three Kieran Walmsley set pieces with his head. His first effort on seven minutes floated harmlessly wide but his second, on the 25 minute mark, forced keeper Sean Davis into action.

Dogged defending and lack of creativity in the final third for both teams restricted attackers to half-chances and Kendal keeper Danny McDonald wasn't seriously tested until the stroke of half-time.

Padiham's number 10 Spencer Jordan arrowed a free-kick towards the top right-hand corner but McDonald was on hand to acrobatically tip the ball behind for a corner as the teams returned to their dressing rooms on equal footing.

Foster brought on Wilson at half-time for Mike Rushton and the former Lancaster City midfielder was quick to impress.

Neat build-up play on the right flank saw Wilson in space 12 yards out. He fired goalwards but the effort was palmed away by Davis.

The ball found its way to Craig Carney on the left wing whose floated cross was met by a sliding Wilson at the back post to give Kendal the lead after 47 minutes.

But that lasted just four minutes as parity was restored through Mayers' first goal. Kendal conceded a cheap corner and the unmarked striker met the cross with a bullet header from six yards giving McDonald no chance.

The game was turned on its head after 59 minutes. Mercer was penalised by referee David Underwood for bringing down Mayers 25 yard out.

The striker lashed home an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner sending the Padiham bench into jubilation.

Mayers almost grabbed his hat trick when he whipped in a free-kick from the left but it rattled off the crossbar and away from danger.

Isaac Kusaloko entered the pitch in place of former Padiham attacker Kieran Pickup and his pace gave an extra edge to Kendal's attacking play.

Kendal began to exert pressure late on but failed to find the equaliser. Danny Wisdom tried his luck from range before skipper Warren Beattie's 12 yard strike late on was well saved by Davis in the goal to give Padiham the three points.