A double from Mossley FC striker Mitchell Bryant condemned winless Kendal Town to their third league defeat of the season in an entertaining affair at the Lancaster and Morecambe Stadium.

Mossley raced into a two goal lead in the first ten minutes as striker Bryant opened the scoring early with just six minutes on the clock before Dean Warburton curled home a free-kick from close range moments later.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side when right-back Kieran Walmsley was given his marching orders but Kendal were thrown a lifeline from the resulting free-kick when keeper Ashley Firth fumbled his effort to the feet of Maison McGeechan who was brought down as he bore down on goal.

Skipper Warren Beattie dispatched the penalty to reduce the deficit.

Bryant added his second soon after the restart and Kieran Pickup's 63rd minute strike set up a tense finale but Mossley, who also had skipper Andrew Keogh sent off, held on as the Mintcakes continue their search for the first three points of the season.

With Mark Jackson serving his final match of suspension, Mike Rushton joined Maison McGeechan up front while Rory Winters returned to the starting eleven after he was banned from last Tuesday's 1-1 draw away at Prescot Cables.

The home side started brightest and could have themselves been two goals to the good but Pickup and McGeechan wasted good opportunities.

But it was Mossley who broke the deadlock when Bryant poked past Dave Stevenson as he found himself in all sorts of space in the box following an incisive through-ball.

Stevenson was picking the ball out of his net again two minutes later when Warburton's 25 yard free kick went through the Kendal wall and into the bottom left corner.

McGeechan had two more chances to reduce the deficit but his close range header and dipping effort did not trouble goalkeeper Ashley Firth.

Walmsley's afternoon was cut short when he needlessly lashed out while being fouled by Arron Heavingham

Walmsley was being tugged back by Heavingham but the frustrated right-back kicked out and was sent to the stands.

But, from the resulting free-kick, Kendal were back in the game as Rob Wilson's 30 yard set-piece bounced up in front of Firth.

Firth palmed away the free-kick to McGeechan who looked certain to score before he was hacked down.

Skipper Warren Beattie calmly dispatched the penalty to reduce the deficit before the rest of the half quietened down with no chances for either side.

Kendal knew the next score was crucial if they were to get back into the game but Mossley restored their two goal advantage four minutes into the second half.

Bryant ran free of his marker as reached a simple ball over the top before powering an unstoppable right-footed half volley across Stevenson and into the back of the net.

The home side showed signs of recovery first through Wilson whose effort stung the hands of Firth and then through goalscorer Pickup.

Pickup sold a dummy to a defender before his effort was blocked. Not to be denied, with Firth still on the floor from his previous shot, Pickup fired low into the bottom right-hand corner to draw Kendal within one goal.

And their chances of finding an equaliser were boosted when skipper Keogh was given a straight red corner as he kicked out at Mercer while the Kendal centre-half aimed to usher the ball out of play at the by-line.

Kendal had an immediate chance to draw level but McGeechan was just millimeters away from getting a solid connection on Pickup's cross as his header went aimlessly wide.

Despite increased pressure and possession, Kendal failed to find a way past a resilient Mossley.