KENDAL Town boss Michael Stringfellow was full of praise for teenage debutant George Mason but disappointed his team's efforts at ten-man Scarborough were not rewarded.

The Mintcakes lost for the fourth time in a row despite Jordan Connerton opening the scoring early on after good work by 18-year-old Mason.

"George is someone I have known from youth football for a while," said Stringfellow. "He was absolutely outstanding. I wasn't afraid to chuck him in against a decent team away from home because he has quality. We need to bed him in properly but he is one for the future."

George Gudgeon, manager of Kendal u18s and joint-head of Kendal Town CDS, added he was not surprised Mason received a call-up after starting the season in stunning form.

"He has scored eight goals in four matches and it is absolutely fantastic to see someone performing well recognised," said Gudgeon. "That is what the centre is there for. We are not going to produce 10/20 players every year but if one or two make it that is great."

Despite Boro hitting back with headers from two set-pieces - an aspect of play Stringfellow admits his team must work harder on - the boss was not too disheartened by his young squad's performance.

"I thought we definitely deserved something," he said. "They are a good side and haven't lost many at home but I felt we dealt with the direct threat well. It was just unfortunate at the end we couldn't get a goal.

"I thought we did well in the first half and kept our shape. We couldn't have got a better start so it was tough for myself to be negative at the break. But we conceded from two set pieces which is always disappointing and something we need to work on in training."

Meanwhile Stringfellow revealed striker Mark Jackson has asked to leave the club in search of a regular starting spot.

"I couldn't guarantee him first team football with the formation we play and the goals Jordan (Connerton) has been getting." said Stringfellow, whose focus now switches to another away game against Spennymoor Town on Tuesday evening. "I don't want to stand in his way so he is going to be leaving us."