Runcorn Linnets 4

Kendal Town 0

AFTER competing well for 45 minutes, Kendal Town paid the price for a poor second half performance as they slumped to defeat in the sun at the Runcorn on Saturday.

The Mintcakes had competed well in that opening half at the Millbank Linnets Stadium and went in level after a goalless first half.

But the floodgates opened during the second half as they conceded four goals without reply to end the game a well beaten side.

Kendal made a relatively strong start to the encounter with the impressive Emil Jaaskelainen again at the forefront of the visitors' attack with the Blackpool loanee creating a number of half chances.

And the Mintcakes' defence was also in good form in those opening 45 minutes as they continuously thwarted the Runcorn attack with a generally impressive showing.

However, all Kendal's good work from that first half was wasted when within 60 seconds of the restart, Paul Shanley was played through the centre and fired the ball past Morgan Bacon in the Kendal goal.

That goal completely changed the complexion of the game and from that point Runcorn had all the momentum.

And it was no surprise when they doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Connor McCarthy converted from close range after being set up by a good delivery from Shanley.

The hosts were now picking apart the visiting defence who were now struggling to stem the tide, and the Linnets created further opportunities through Shanley and McCarthy.

Runcorn eventually made it 3-0 after substitute Jamie Rainford beat the offside trap before placing the ball past the helpless Bacon.

And the hosts rounded off a miserable second half for Kendal when Lewis Corrigan completed the scoring from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining.