KENDAL wasted no time in getting stuck into their opponents in a hastily arranged friendly game at the Lancaster and Morecambe College Stadium.

Holker Old Boys felt the full force of Kendal's attacking threat within the first five minutes when a Ricky Mercer cross evaded everybody and snook in at the far post.

Despite the early strike the game ended in a closely fought 3-2 win for Kendal with Holker putting on a scintillating second half display to worry their hosts.

After their goal Kendal proceeded to dominate the opening stages as they dictated the tempo, passing the ball around with ease.

Craig Carney, Byron Andrew and Tommy Watson controlled the midfield, passing it between themselves and the back four before switching the play to wide players who had drifted into space.

It was exhibition stuff from the home side who got their reward on 31 minutes when Byron Andrew, who has wasted no time in settling into the team, scored with a well executed finish.

Carney won the ball in midfield and drove forward before laying it off to Andrew who found himself in acres of space on the right hand side of Holker's box.

He picked his spot and slotted it between the legs of keeper Ross Liddicott to give his side a two goal cushion.

Then it all got a bit ragged for Holker who looked rattled as their passing game briefly fell apart.

The away side pulled themselves together and almost got themselves back into the game when one of their many long balls fell to the deceptively quick Wayne Curtis who struck it just wide of the watchful Liam Bleeker's left hand post.

On 40 minutes it was 2-1 after a wonderful 35 yard strike from Craig Redhead.

His snap shot dipped at the last moment to evade the outstretched glove of Bleeker on its way into the back of the net via the underside of the bar to take his team into the half time break with their heads held high.

Holker started the second half much the better team, regularly threatening the Kendal goal with dangerous balls into the box.

They missed a string of good chances before Kendal's young star Kacper Kesy scored his side's third totally against the run of play when he arrived late at the back post to restore the Mintcakes' two goal cushion.

On 75 minutes manager Michael Stringfellow brought himself onto the pitch and rolled back the years in a deep lying central role.

He nearly found himself on the score sheet after a scramble in the box but was unable to guide it home.

Holker were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes which was well finished by former Kendal striker Mike Rushden.

The game ended 3-2 and should stand Holker in good stead for when they take on Chorley in the semi final of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy on Thursday, February 12.

Mintcakes manager Stringfellow was pleased with his side's win.

He said: "It was a good win. We needed to stay fresh for when we go to Clitheroe and try and take three points."