KENDAL Town boss Dave Foster praised the contribution of new signings Ricardo Egidi and Aaron Fleming as the Mintcakes were brushed aside by table-toppers Curzon Ashton.

Foster captured the duo from AFC Fylde and both were plunged straight into action, Egidi partnering Danny Mitchley up front while Fleming replaced the injured John Ross in a re-jigged formation.

Fellow newcomer Thomas Houghton came off the bench as did Gary Basterfield and Oli Mathieson as Foster continues to blood youngsters from the club’s development squad.

“The two new lads did well although they are both short of games at the minute and lacking a bit of match fitness,” said Foster.

“I thought Ricardo took a good ten minutes to get into the game but we then saw glimpses of how he can link play – he’s a big, strong lad who wants to get on the ball.

“I’m sure the more he plays at this level and builds his fitness up he’ll do really well. And likewise I thought Aaron was really good until the hour mark when he seemed to blow up a little bit.

“He’s a bit tight with his groins but he’s got good feet and is quick and looks as though he will create problems for defences when he goes forward.

“Tom Houghton came on a left-back and looked very composed on the ball. Gary Basterfield looked busy and made some good runs. He is very keen as is Oli Mathieson.”

Niall Cummins scored twice with Ryan Brooke joining the former Burscough frontman on the scoresheet as John Flanagan’s Curzon Ashton took a further step towards the league title.

And with their clash with the champions-elect ending in heavy defeat, Foster admits the fixture left his side with plenty to ponder.

“We were up against the best team in the league and it was a learning curve for us,” he added. “You have to score when you’re having your spell in the game, particularly against the top teams.

“And Curzon showed exactly why they are top of the league. We were good first-half, moving the ball really well and we had our chances but didn’t take them.

“The goals came out of nothing with Niall Cummins doing what he does well – pinning the centre-half and rolling him.

“We gave the ball away cheaply and failed to get tight to men in the ten minutes leading up to and after the second and third goals.

“We then settled ourselves down again, got on the ball and played ok without really threatening.

“There were positives to take from the match. We came up against a very good side and it’s a yardstick for us so the lads know where we’re at.”

Kendal head to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium on Saturday where play-off chasing Ramsbottom United lie in wait, as early auditions for next season continue to be held.

“The lads know I’m looking towards next year and if they’re not up to it then obviously they won’t be here at that stage,” said Foster

“We’re working on one or two things tactically and there was a little change of shape against Curzon. We’re looking to instil one or two things.

“In terms of remaining fixtures we don’t have lads here now that would give up and believe the remainder of the season doesn’t matter.”