Two late goals from Jamie Close brought Kendal Town the double over UniBond League First Division opponents Rossendale United. Final score was Kendal Town 2, Rossendale United 0.

Close struck in the 84th and 87th minutes to turn round a game which for most of the afternoon had all the hallmarks of a goalless draw.

Rossendale shaded the first half in a game dominated by rock solid defences and Kendal could have gone into the interval two goals down for in the final minutes of the half Lee Ward had to dive full-length to produce two quality saves.

Five minutes after the restart Smith replaced Jones with the speedy David Foster and he, on the right and James Sheppard on the left began to stretch the visitors' defence.

In the 84th minute Ward made a long clearance and a swift passing interchange saw Simpson feed Foster who flicked the ball right to Close who drilled it into the top corner from 10 yards.

Four minutes later another swift attack down the left saw Close run on to a through ball to on the edge of the area and he slid the ball past the onrushing keeper to complete the 2-0 victory.

January 6, 2003 13:00