Leading goalscorer Jordan Connerton scored a brace on his return to the Giant Axe to give Kendal Town their first taste of victory since mid-November.

The Mintcakes had lost six league and cup matches going into Boxing Day's derby at Lancaster City but led two goals to the good at the break thanks to a Connerton volley and a Ricky Mercer bullet header.

Lancaster's Josh Draycott scored in the opening moments of the second-half before a Gavin Clark wonder goal levelled matters.

But Kendal re-took the lead when Connerton slotted home a penalty and, despite late Lancaster pressure, they held on for a priceless three points.

Boss Michael Stringfellow vowed to bring in new signings after last weekend's drubbing at the hands of Burscough and five of those players made their debuts against Lancaster.

Liam Bleeker, on-loan from Fleetwood Town, started between the sticks while Aaron Helliwell, Andrew Byron and Jonathan MacDonald made up a new-look midfield and striker Gregg Johnstone, who signed from Bamber Bridge, partnered Connerton up front.

A healthy following made the short trip down the M6 to witness a quiet opening 45 minutes.

Kendal's Zach Clark and Lancaster's Aaron Taylor had early half chances but both teams struggled to gain any meaningful foothold in a scrappy affair.

It took a moment of brilliance from ex-Lancaster striker Connerton to break the deadlock after 36 minutes.

Johnstone showed what he can bring to Kendal by flicking the ball over Lancaster's defence to Connerton broke the offside trap and unleashed an unstoppable first-time left-footed volley from 10 yards past Dolly Blues keeper Mike Hale.

And it got even better for Kendal on the stroke of half-time when Zach Clark forced a corner from the right which Helliwell whipped in. Skipper Mercer out-muscled his marker and rose highest to bury a header past Hale and give Kendal breathing space at the break.

All too often this season Kendal have thrown away leading positions and the second-half started disastrously for them when Josh Draycott tapped in from close range after just two minutes.

The goal reinvigorated Lancaster who began to pile on the pressure. Bleeker made a stunning point blank save at the feet of Matty Poole before Lancaster drew level on 67 minutes when full-back Clark let fly on the half-volley from 40 yards.

Lydon Hodgkiss then headed off the line before Helliwell had a goal disallowed for offside.

But Kendal weren't to be denied a third moments later. Clark was released down the left-wing and whipped in a low cross. Referee Bob Roberts judged that Connerton was felled as he tried to connect with the ball and the hitman stepped up to fire Kendal into the lead again.

Lancaster turned the screw and should have restored parity after 85 minutes but Draycott missed an open goal and Bleeker tipped a Sam Bailey free-kick onto the post as Kendal weathered a late storm to hold onto the three points.