Benevolent Trophy Final

Kendal United 1 v Keswick 0

KENDAL United won the Benevolent Trophy after a stunning 1-0 victory against Keswick at Kendal Town Football Club on Wednesday night.

Bailey Kenny’s fourth-minute penalty proved to be enough for the West Lancashire League Division Two side, who defended well for the whole game on what proved to be a hard-fought contest.

Kendal made the better start and were 1-0 up after four minutes when referee David O'Callaghan awarded a penalty following an infringement in the box.

Bailey Kenny stepped up and drilled the ball past the Keswick goalkeeper with Kendal taking the early lead.

Keswick, desperate for the equaliser, dominated possession for the next 30 minutes but Kendal defended well and limited the Division One champions to half chances, while Jack Brolly in the Kendal goal had a relatively quiet first half.

Kendal going forward looked a threat and should have gone 2-0 up after Sam Hunter saw his effort go across the goal after cutting inside the penalty area in an otherwise uneventful first half.

Keswick dominated possession during the second half and pressed forward, while Kendal were dangerous on the counter attack and solid in defence.

Kendal were dealt a further blow after losing first-choice keeper Jack Brolly through injury and, with no 'keeper on the bench, outfield player David Crierie had to deputise between the posts.

Keswick, lifted by Kendal’s misfortune, continued to press with Bannister firing over before Andy Frampton’s athletic bicycle kick went over the Kendal bar.

However, Kendal held on and saw out ten minutes of injury time before securing a memorable win for the team.