KENDAL Director of Rugby Steve Whitehead was delighted his team came away from Wilmslow with the points despite not playing to their potential.

Skipper James Gough scored a last gasp try at the Memorial Ground as Kendal grabbed the win in the final minute of the North One West tie.

“We didn’t play brilliantly,” said Whitehead. “We played well in patches and made quite a lot of errors but away from home, not playing to our potential, we still got the win. Last season in games like that we would lose it so we will take the result.

“It says a lot about our character and the resolve of the lads. It’s a difficult habit to get into and not something you can coach.

“Having the mental fortitude, confidence and belief to stick to a plan and grind out a result in the last few minutes comes from a consistent winning habit - not from words from coaches.

“I think we are starting to get some belief but we also have the ability and strength in depth in our squad so we are able to make changes that don’t necessarily deplete the side.

“We have got quite a few young lads in the side who last season only really saw defeats so for the younger ones in the camp and coaches who have come in it’s great that when we were behind we didn’t panic. We stuck to the plan and when the opportunity came we took it.”

Samoan Bob Mataia made his debut on the wing and Whitehead has been left impressed with his attitude since arriving last week.

“He has got some adjustments to make to the style of play and the lads so we moved him out on the wing to just get a feel for it,” said Whitehead.

“He is a talented player who is a very nice lad, mad-keen and adds a degree of enthusiasm to the squad.”

Kendal will look to continue their unbeaten run when Bolton travel to Mint Bridge on Saturday.

“Bolton are in the winning habit at the moment after promotion,” said Whitehead. “They are well-drilled strong side, have the kind of qualities needed to do well and will pose a threat and be difficult to breakdown.”