31-07-2025
Kendal Town start Northern League season with mixed results
Kendal Town's opening week of the Northern League season was marked by contrasting results.
The Mintcakes managed to secure three points from their first two matches.
The season's curtain raiser at The Westmorland Flooring Stadium, however, did not go as planned.
The team suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Benfield.
Jack Milburn (Image: Richard Edmondson) This early setback could have dampened spirits, but the Mintcakes showed character by bouncing back with a commendable 4-1 victory at Marske United four days later.
A hat-trick from Josh Winder and a goal from club captain Bailey Kenny ensured Kendal Town's solid response to their opening day defeat.
Manager Matt Flynn's side put on a commanding display in one of the longest away trips of the season.
On Tuesday night, Kendal Town started with great intensity, dominating Marske United, despite the latter playing their first home game of the season.
James Bailey celebrates after scoring on Saturday (Image: Richard Edmondson) The Mintcakes forced three well-crafted corners early on, and Josh Winder's ball at the back post was almost turned into an own goal by Marske United.
Marske United's Christopher Cheetham made a good save to deny the visitors, who were close to opening the scoring against the run of play.
But the deadlock was broken by Kendal Town in the 13th minute when the Marske United goalkeeper's clearance landed at Josh Winder's feet.
From 40 yards out, Winder lobbed the ball into the net, setting the tone for the night.
Tom Kilifin (Image: Richard Edmondson) Marske United threatened to equalise four minutes later, with Cheetham stopping a fierce strike from a tight angle.
However, Kendal Town continued to impress, almost catching the hosts on the counter.
Thomas Russell drove forward, and Jack Milburn's shot from the edge of the box just missed the target.
Kendal Town's dominance was evident as they dictated the play.
Josh Winder (Image: Richard Edmondson) Josh Winder's cross was parried by the keeper, with James Bailey initially setting up the move.
Marske United had two opportunities close to halftime, applying pressure with a header over the bar from a corner and a penalty appeal turned down by the referee.
Kendal Town came out strong in the second half, with Josh Winder scoring his second goal just two minutes after the restart.
He found the bottom corner following some hold-up play by James Bailey.
The Mintcakes continued their onslaught, creating more opportunities.
Tom Kilifin (Image: Richard Edmondson) Zach Walker's effort on goal was tipped over by the goalkeeper, making the most of a goalmouth scramble.
Kendal Town went 3-0 up in the 61st minute, with Bailey Kenny heading the ball into the net from James Stanley's free-kick from deep.
Marske United managed to score a consolation goal in the 76th minute before Josh Winder completed his hat-trick.
He showed composure to poke the ball past the keeper, rounding off a superb performance on the road.
The opening league game of the season on Saturday was a different story altogether.
Kendal Town suffered a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle Benfield.
Manager Matt Flynn's side started well, with James Bailey heading the ball at the keeper.
However, the visitors opened the scoring when Kyle Fryatt capitalised on some poor defending, rounding Cheetham and putting the ball into the empty net.
Kendal Town created two more opportunities in a disjointed first half, with Jack Milburn and James Bailey both going close.
The Mintcakes managed to equalise six minutes into the second half, with James Bailey heading the ball into the net from Niall Cowperthwaite's cross.
The home team pressed after Tom Kilifin had a goal ruled out for offside, playing well and creating opportunities.
Kendal Town almost went 2-1 up, with Zach Walker forcing the keeper into a save.
However, against the run of play, Newcastle Benfield went 2-1 up in the 88th minute, with Fryatt scoring his second.
Newcastle sealed the win in the 95th minute, with Joe Ames scoring, as Kendal Town fell to defeat.
Kendal Town have a busy schedule ahead, with an away trip to Crook Town on Saturday in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, and a visit to Guisborough Town on Wednesday, August 6.
