KENDAL Town finished their pre-season build-up on a disappointing note when losing 2-1 to Lancaster City at Giant Axe on Saturday.

Lancaster, who have dropped from Conference North to the first division of the Unibond Premier League after going into liquidation, went ahead through an Aaron Helliwell penalty after 18 minutes when veteran strike Ian Stevens, formerly with Carlisle and Gretna, had been brought down.

Town's equaliser came from Peter Wright five minutes from half time.

A quickly-taken free kick picked out the striker and he shot low past the oncoming keeper.

Wright's strike partner Gareth Arnison had a couple of chances in the second half but could not take them and Lancaster snatched victory in the 89th minute when full back Neil Marshall collected a loose ball and hammered home.

It was a contrasting display to the 4-4 draw against Stockport County last Tuesday, with a scrappy display giving manager Lee Ashcroft something to ponder before the start of the season at home to Leek Town next Saturday.