KENDAL Town must be more clinical in front of goal and tighten up at the back if they are to string together a positive run of results, admits boss Michael Stringfellow.

The Mintcakes have picked up 11 points since Stringfellow took over from Dave Foster in September but were knocked out of the FA Trophy at the Preliminary Round stage by Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

Kendal opened the scoring but Warren Beattie missed the chance to give the home side breathing space before Northwich levelled minutes later.

The visitors grabbed a late winner after a mistake by young goalkeeper Tom Stewart which left Stringfellow ruing his side's missed chances.

"I was disappointed with the second half performance but I thought we played really well first half," said Stringfellow.

"We have got to be clinical and take chances when we make them. We didn't show enough quality. We created them in the first half so why not in the second?

"If we scored that penalty the atmosphere changes. Everyone really wanted to win because it was a cup game so there's added pressure. On another day it could have been different but we can't keep saying that. We've got to make our own luck and stop making mistakes and learn from them.

"There were a few tired legs towards the end. The substitutes came on to try and liven it up but that didn't really happen."

Kendal have kept just one clean sheet since Stringfellow took over and the former Morecambe midfielder accepts changes in personnel may have to be made if they keep leaking goals.

"It's a problem and something we have got to work," he said. "If that means I've got to get different players in then I'll do it. We can't continue on the path we are on. If I have to get two or three new players in then I have to do that."

Striker Nick Rogan played for around 60 minutes and is yet to get off the mark but Stringfellow believes it is only a matter of time before the former Barrow hitman gets on the goal scoring trail.

"I thought he did well for an hour," said Stringfellow. "We are trying to keep him on for an extra 10 minutes to get him that match fitness. We maybe could have done with an outlet over the top but Nick will get there."

Kendal are back in league action on Saturday when they make the trip down the M6 to play Bamber Bridge - who sit two places and four points above the Mintcakes.