KENDAL Town was knocked back further in their latest match against Newcastle Town.

The Mintcakes are now 13 points away from safety and seven points behind the relegation play off place.

This came after they were defeated by two goals to none against Newcastle Town at The Mortgages by McAteer Stadium.

The Cumbrian squad, who fell to their third straight defeat, still put on a strong performance but were unfortunately unable to get the win before a strong crowd of 174.

Kendal manager Craig Dootson made seven changes to the starting eleven which included debuts for newest signings Tommy Grindrod and Tyreece Davies.

Both teams made a tentative start for the opening 15 minutes with very few chances on goal, however Newcastle created the first opportunity soon after when Will Lloyds strike was pushed onto the bar by James McClenaghan.

Newcastle began to take control for a period of the first half creating further opportunities from Nathan Morley and Will Lloyd.

However, Kendal eventually grew into the first half and began to get a foothold, with Akiel Raffie and Daniel Edwards both causing problems for the visitor’s defence.

Edwards especially proved to be a constant menace making a number of dangerous runs, pressurising the visitors right back on numerous occasions.

Kendal continued to play with confidence and missed a glorious opportunity to score after Scott Mc Donald saw his goal bound strike palmed over by Newcastle Town shot stopper Joseph Slinn.

The Mintcakes finished the half on the offensive forcing Newcastle’s defenders into a number of last-ditch challenges and clearances.

In the second half both teams made a quiet start, with Kendal looking comfortable in possession while the visitors were also a threat.

Raffie and Edwards continued to make inroads going forward while the visitors had to defend well, with the Kendal supporters encouraged by what they saw.

With the game evenly poised, it was Newcastle who made the breakthrough after 59 minutes when Joe Berks made a run onto the edge of the box before striking the ball into the back of the net.

Kendal pressed for the equaliser with Mc Donald, Raffie and Edwards creating half opportunities, while the game became wide open in an expansive contest.

However, with just 7 minutes remaining Newcastle scored their second after Lewis Jarman found the net with a good finish.

The Mintcakes battled on and could have scored two goals in the closing stages after Mc Donald forced Slinn into another good save before the talisman blazed over in the 89th minute.

Newcastle held onto secure the win while Kendal was left deep in relegation trouble.