STRIKER Garth Jones has been signed from UniBond Premier Division outfit Barrow as manager Peter Smith moved to plug a potential gap caused by the departure of Craig Walmsley for a spell of playing cricket in Australia.

The Netherfield opening batsman has played a crucial role up front for Kendal since the cricket season ended, but Smith says he intends to head Down Under shortly for a four or five week cricketing spell.

Smith tried unsuccessfully to sign 20-year-old Jones towards the end of last season, but has now succeeded as Jones has failed to find a first team place with the Bluebirds.

"He is a striker through and through, quick and with the ability to poach goals," said Smith.

He intended to field him against Kidsgrove on Tuesday as regular No.9 Ian Simpson has started a three match ban, but the game was called off as Kidsgrove were involved in an FA Trophy replay.

Better news for Smith was that injury problems seem to be easing with both influential midfielder Stuart Cliff and speedy winger James Shepherd due resuming training this week.

"We went to Gainsborough on Saturday with a squad of just 12 to choose from and you can't do that against these top sides," said Smith.

"Even so I thought we played quite well, but we gave them three goals.

"It was a case of not concentrating enough.

We have got to stop that and cut out these silly mistakes."

That will certainly be the case tomorrow (Saturday) when Town travel to Alfreton, who came up from the North West Counties league last season and look like going straight through to the UniBond Premier Division.

They have been beaten only once in the First Division and money seems no object in their quest for success.

"Some of their key players are on £250 a week," said Smith, adding: "We can't afford anything like that."

He does plan to strengthen his squad with another signing, however, and has been looking at a Preston-based player who has been released after two years with Newcastle.

He is currently having trials for Carlisle, but has indicated that he would play for Kendal if those trials are unsuccessful, says Smith.

On Tuesday Kendal will make their first appearance for many years in the Marsden Trophy (formerly the Lancashire FA Junior Cup.

Smith says he urged the club to enter the trophy as it provides good competition against some of the best Lancashire sides outside the Football League

"Morecambe, Southport Barrow, Accrington, Lancaster and Bamber Bridge are all in it along with some of the better sides from the North West Counties League," said Smith.

On Tuesday Town are at home to NW Counties First Division side Atherton Collieries.

Kick-off at Parkside is at 7.45pm.