Kendal on wrong end of five-goal encounter against Runcorn Linnet

KENDAL Town had a difficult afternoon at a rain-soaked Parkside Road during their match with a Runcorn Linnets team who entered the game undefeated.

Both teams made a frenetic start to the game with Iwan Murray seeing his effort deflected wide by Precieux Ngongo after two minutes while Hugo Rodriguez saw his effort cleared by one of the Runcorn players.

However, Kendal made the stronger start in the first six minutes when Chris Humphrey, who returned to the pitch following an injury, unleashed an unstoppable left footed low strike from 20 yards which went into the right-hand corner.

Runcorn dominated possession with Ally Brown and Murray creating opportunities, while Morgan Bacon made a number of good saves.

When in possession, the Mintcakes looked dangerous. Charlie Birch was denied by Niki Lee Bulmer who pulled off a fine save before Rodriguez headed the ball over the bar.

Runcorn pushed for the equaliser and were rewarded when Ryan Brooke scored on the 31 minutes mark.

Runcorn continued to create chances most notably from Brookes and Lindfield with Bacon being forced to make some strong saves.

Alex Downes headed the visitors in front seven minutes into the second half.

But Kendal roared straight back and equalised two minutes later.

A pass from Humphrey fell to Birch who drilled the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Runcorn pushed and probed the Kendal defence only to be denied by Bacon, who pulled off a stunning save to deny Murrays goal bound free kick.

However, Runcorn regained the lead through Murray after 73 minutes.

The visitors saw out the game in an end to end contest as Kendal crashed to defeat.

Runcorn created further chances, most notably through Murray, who saw his shot blocked by Barnes.

Kendal's best opportunity from that point fell to Humphrey who saw his effort comfortable saved by Bulmer as Runcorn held out to secure the win on 3-2.

The team benefited greatly from Humphrey’s presence on the field, following some time out due to a leg injury.