Westmorland Talbot: Derby starter (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Westmorland Talbot: Derby starter

9:40am Friday 27th August 2004 in Sport By Dennis Aris

KENDAL Town Reserves entertained Kendal County in an early derby duel as the Talbot Insurance Westmorland League opened its new season.

County started better of the two sides and on 20 minutes opened the scoring after a mistake by a Town player let in Kris Clough for an easy finish.

Town had their chance to level the scores on 25 minutes when Kevin Pickering ran on to a through ball, but with only the on-coming keeper to beat he chipped his shot but just missed the target.

County enjoyed the lion's share of the first half and deservedly took their 1-0 lead to half time.

In the second half Kendal Town created several scoring chances, but poor finishing and dogged defending by County made sure they hung on to their 1-0 lead.

Coniston, who have been pipped at the post for the championship in the past two seasons, have a new manager in Bob Browning, who lives in the village after moving up from the Midlands three years ago, and the side gave him a winning start to his tenure in the job with a 3-1 win at home to Keswick.

A Paul Walker strike gave Coniston a 1-0 lead after an evenly-matched first half, but they got on top in the second half with further goals from Glen Todd and David Cooper and could have made it more if taking all their chances.

Sedbergh hosted Windermere and it was not long before the home side took the lead, Mike Harrison crossing for Clyde Harris to head home. Harris then added a second, curling in a left-foot shot from 20 yards.

It stayed 2-0 until midway through the second half when Martin Cairns put Harrison through to lob the goalkeeper.

Between the second and third goal Windermere had a lot of possession but failed to create much in front of goal.

Sub Craig Gardner added the fourth with a neat finish when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Staveley and Ambleside shared the points in their derby with a 1-1 draw, while champions Wetheriggs have opened with two wins, beating Ibis 2-0 and then following up with a 3-1 victory at home to Appleby.

Victoria Sports Club's new recruit Reuben Gray, from Underbarrow, made his mark on his debut for the club, bagging a hat-trick in their 3-2 win over Kendal Celtic in Division Two.

Gray gave Vics the lead from the penalty spot before Celtic levelled then went 2-1 up with goals from Steve Perruzza and Steve Watson.

A second goal from the 21-year-old Gray put Vics back on terms and he stroked in another penalty to clinch the spoils.

Late changes have had to be made to the Westmorland League structure as a shortage of players has forced Penrith Reserves to withdraw from Division One.

In addition Kendal United have withdrawn from Division Four as they have been unable to carry out improvements to their changing facilities Results: Saturday: Division One: Coniston 3, Keswick 1; Wetheriggs Utd 2, Ibis 0.

Division Two: Kendal Celtic 2, Victoria SC 3; Ullswater Utd 1, Dent 1.

Division Three: Burneside Res 0, Braithwaite 0; Carvetii Utd 5, Grasmere 1; Northbank Carlisle Res 4, Carleton Rovers Res 1.

Division Four: Endmoor KGR Res 2, Kendal Celtic Res 1.

Tuesday: Division One: Carleton Rovers 2, Keswick 2; Kendal Town Res 0, Kendal County 1; Sedbergh Wanderers 4, Windermere SC 0; Staveley Utd 1, Ambleside Utd 1; Wetheriggs Utd 3, Appleby 1.

Division Two: Burneside 1, Lunesdale Utd 2.

Division Four: Carvetii Utd Res 3, Wetheriggs Utd A 2; Dent Res 2, Shap Res 6.

Wednesday: Division Two: Dent 3, Kendal County Res 5; Kirkoswald 2, Keswick Res 6; Wetheriggs Utd Res 2, Greystoke 1.

Division Three: Carlton Rovers Res 1, Appleby Res 3; Carvetii Utd 1, Shap 1; Northbank Carlisle Res 4, Penrith Rangers Res 2.

Division Four: Burneside Academy 0, Coniston Res 4; Penrith Utd 3, Lunesdale Utd Res 1.