KENDAL Town boss Michael Stringfellow blasted his players' performance against Burscough but insists the upcoming busy festive period will give his team the chance to prove their worth.

The Mintcakes last picked up points against Warrington Town in the middle of November and have now lost five league games on the spin, scoring just four goals and conceding 14.

After a plucky display away at Spennymoor last Tuesday, Stringfellow had hoped the home advantage and support would help the Mintcakes bring some festive cheer to bring an end to their dismal run.

But the 4-0 drubbing was unquestionably an afternoon to forget.

"It was a very poor day at the office," admitted Stringfellow, who took over from Dave Foster in mid-October after eight games without a win.

"If you start the game so poorly it gives you no chance. Individual mistakes cost us early on and the performance wasn't acceptable at all."

Caddick stunned the home crowd when he broke the deadlock after just 26 seconds and went on to complete a stunning six-minute hat-trick, to the dismay of Stringfellow.

"We were on the back foot from the off and didn't really recover from the first goal," he said. "I can accept mistakes but I cannot accept a lack of desire and willingness to play for the club so I put that to the players and I am sure it will be ringing in their ears.

"We have got to do the basics better and that comes down to them as players. I can prepare them as best as I can and give them the information but they've got to do it on the pitch."

In recent weeks Stringfellow has not been afraid to give chances to younger member of his squad including George Mason and Jamie Colbourne and insists nobody's place on the field, or in the squad, is safe.

"These are semi-professional footballers," he said. "They are not playing in Sunday League so I expect big performances.

"I would put the boots on myself to be honest but if things don't change soon there will be new players coming in."

Following the poor run of form, Kendal have slipped to 14th place in Evo Stik First Division North, level on points with local rivals Lancaster, who beat bottom club Padiham at the weekend and have played three less games.

The two meet at the Giant Axe on Boxing Day and Stringfellow is expecting a response from his squad.

"They need to turn up and be right for the game," said Stringfellow. "I have told them there will be changes but there cannot be that many.

"I will bring new players in if they are not doing it for me. They are going to have to perform in that game and show a better application all round. That is the minimum we expect from anyone playing for Kendal Town."

Friday's match marks the start of a frantic fortnight for Kendal with home games against Prescot Cables and Darlington, on Sunday and New Year's Day, before a tough trip down the M6 to Salford City two days later.

And while Stringfellow admits it will be hard work for a small squad, he hopes his team can rise to the challenge.

"It's very tough," he said. "I'm sure if it was the Premiership Arsene Wenger would be having a whinge about it but anyone who has played non league will tell you it is the best part of the year.

"This is where leagues are won or lost or play-off places gained so I always enjoyed it."

The game against Lancaster is likely to be a tasty affair.

Stringfellow captained the Dolly Blues and enjoyed time in charge a few seasons ago while Kendal's top goalscorer Jordan Connerton, 25, has signed on the dotted line for Lancaster three times in his career, scoring 39 goals in their 2009-2010 campaign.