Kendal crashed to a heavy 8-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders Atherton Colleries on an afternoon to forget for the team.

Kendal made the trip down the M6 knowing how difficult the game would be against the team leading the league.

The math demonstrated the haves and have nots in football/ Atherton had a full-strength team to choose from but Kendal fielded a depleted squad in which the manager only had two substitutes on the bench.

Kendal’s players must be praised for their efforts. The team and the manager are trying their best to get a result and pull away from danger. However, the squad limitations are clear for everyone to see.

In truth Kendal battled gallantly at the weekend but their task of gaining a result was made impossible when Jacob Davies was sent off after just 15 minutes of the first half.

Playing Atherton with 11 was hard enough but with 10 it was an impossible task. That said it wasonly 2-0 at half time so Kendal did well to stay in the game.

In the second half Atherton capitalised on their one-man advantage and ripped through Kendal and they ended up on the receiving end of an 8-0 scoreline.

Kendal remain three points from safety after relegation rivals Glossop North End and Skelmersdale were also defeated.

Kendal face a hugely important home game on Saturday when they play mid-table Kidsgrove Athletic. Kendal picked up a 0-0 result at Kidsgrove earlier in the season.

Saturday's game is hugely important and one in which Kendal, in my opinion, they must win.

They then face a tough game at Radcliffe before hosting Glossop North End in a relegation six pointer.

Kendal are still within touching distance of survival. But they need a win and soon if they are to avoid relegation into the North West Counties League.