KENDAL Town are out of the FA Trophy after succumbing to two late goals at Nantwich Town.

The Mintcakes were second best for much of the afternoon and only really threatened on the counter. Despite repelling wave after wave of attacks, a late Will Kitchen error led to a simple finish and a Stuart McDonald own goal settled the tie.

Kendal started the brighter of the two teams, as they forced a number of corners and applied some early pressure on the Nantwich backline but the home defence stood firm and refused to allow them any sights of goal. After weathering the early pressure, the Dabbers started to control possession and the chances started to arrive. Curtis Jones was the first to go close, as he headed over from a corner. Sean Cooke then put a free kick a yard over the bar from just outside the box.

Ryan Brooke then had the best chance of the game, as a wayward clearance dropped into the penalty area. He hit the ball as it fell with a great first time volley, but the ball cannoned off the post and bounced away to safety. The Mintcakes then went close to opening the scoring with their first chance at the other end, as midfielder Danny Forbes worked space and curled just wide of the far post.

Just before half time, Kendal's Tom Kilifin looked like he had a clear route to goal, but Nantwich left back Ibou Touray used his pace to recover and force the ball out for a throw in.

Brooke had another chance for the hosts shortly after the hour as he hit into the side netting. Matt Bell was then booked for a late challenge on Forbes before Kendal again almost sucker punched Nantwich as a shot again whistled just past the post.

The Cheshire side were continuing to dominate the game, but were still unable to find a way through as Kendal sensed the possibility of a replay.

Nantwich though were eventually rewarded for their patience with 10 minutes to go. Under pressure from the home side, Kitchen mishit a clearance straight to Cooke. Cooke then fed the ball to Josh Hancock and he worked some space before burying the ball past the keeper to give the Dabbers a deserved lead.

Two minutes after going ahead, Nantwich had a second. Andy White did well down the right and tricked his way into the penalty area. He then crossed into the six yard box and Kitchen could only palm the ball onto the unfortunate Stuart McDonald, who unwittingly deflected the ball in to put the game out of reach for the Mintcakes.