Kendal Town 1, Bamber Bridge 1

BOGEY team Bamber Bridge took the honours for the third time this season as a single goal garnered the points in this UniBond League First Division clash.

PHIL Hodgson, ultra reliable in the air, was caught out in the 68th minute when he let a long ball through the centre bounce hoping to nod it to safety. It bobbled away from him, however, and Bamber's Mark Wane raced through unopposed to place the ball out of reach of Kendal keeper Lee Ward.

In the first half striker Gareth Jones should have done better several low crosses from Jamie Close and on 30 minutes another classy passing sequence involving six players ended with Walmsley's shot being deflected for a corner.

At the other end Ward made an excellent diving save to deny Alex PorterOn 55minutes the crowd saw the welcome return of winger James Sheppard, who has been out with a back injury and minutes later he worked the ball into the box where a Walmsley shot appeared to be handled. No penalty was given.

Perhaps with a view to Wednesday's Lancashire Junior Cup final,Peter Smith put on Gary Prosser, also making a welcome return after injury, and striker Ian Simpson in place Walmsley and Jones.

It was the Bridge substitution of the speedy Wane, which paid dividends, however as he pounced on Hodgson's 68th minute error to give Bridge a scarcely deserved lead.

With Richard Close a tower of strength in defence it was Kendal who looked the superior side, but despite the bulk of the pressure there was to be no equalising breakthrough

April 12, 2003 21:30