Jackson double gives Town second win in three days

KENDAL Town made it two wins in three days as they recorded a 2-1 victory at Ashton United on Monday evening.

Lee Ashcroft’s play off hopefuls always had the edge over their opponents although, as was the case against Nantwich, Town found themselves trailing before rallying to take maximum points.

And it was a welcome return of form for striker Mark Jackson which undid the hosts as he grabbed both of Kendal’s goals.

A thunderous 25 yard free kick from captain Shaun Gray gave home keeper Terry Smith an early test, the effort being pushed away, and the home side found themselves on the back foot as Kendal piled on early pressure.

Winger Carl Osman had a fine game making several probing raids down the right hand side and Alex Taylor should have put Kendal ahead on 28 minutes when Danny Williams sent in a pinpoint cross from the byline, but the fans favourite failed to direct his header on target.

A minute later Town could have been awarded a penalty when Taylor was clattered in the area but the referee waved play on and the ball was hacked off the goal line.

Ashton took a 38th minute lead against the run of play when Ian Bennet’s shot across the face of goal was palmed away by David Newnes and the loose ball fell for Jon Bathurst to drilled home.

Kendal equalised at the start of the second half when Williams’ excellent run from deep took him to the edge of the area and he laid the ball on for Jackson, whose shot found the back of the net despite Smith getting a decent hand on the ball.

Veteran striker David Foster then replaced Taylor but the momentum was still with Town and it was Foster who forced Smith into a 71st minute save, which allowed Jackson to swoop for his second.

Ciaran Donnelly came close to extending the lead with a fine individual effort and Jackson had an excellent opportunity for his hat-trick, making room for himself before firing into the side netting.

Tenacious full back Adam Sumner who has impressed since his arrival from Fleetwood almost made the score sheet in the final minutes but his well struck angled shot was tipped over by Smith.

HOW THEY RATED: D Newnes 8, K Walmsley 8, A Sumner 8, R Winters 8, S Gray 9, C Donnelly 8, C Osman 8, M Jackson 8, A Taylor 8 (rep D Foster 55 mins), A Dunn 8, D Williams 8.

Subs: S Howson, C Rimmer, J Roberts, T Newton.

Att: 156 Star Man: Shaun Gray - Marshalled a team performance impeccably.