Worksop Town 2

Kendal Town 1

THE long trip to Nottinghamshire proved to be a frustrating one for Kendal Town as they bowed out of the FA Trophy with a 2-1 defeat at Worksop Town.

After more than holding their own in the first half when Emil Jaaskelainen's goalbound effort was spectacularly saved by David Reay, Town went behind to Connor Brunt’s stunning free kick and an own goal by debutant Kieran Maguire.

And despite a late goal by Lewis Wainwright which ensured a nervous last few minutes for the home side, they could not find a leveller and Worksop held on to secure their passage into the next round.

Kendal had gone into the game buoyed by last week's creditable home draw against Droylsden and with new signing Maguire in the starting line up, Steve Edmondson’s side made a positive start against a very strong Worksop defence.

But Worksop created the first opportunity on 13 minutes when keeper Reay's brother Matt saw his tame strike comfortably stopped by Mintcakes keeper Morgan Bacon before Chris Gascoigne drilled his effort wide of the far post.

However, Town carried a real threat and twice they were frustrated by Reay, who first palmed away Jaaskelainen's first time volley after the striker was set up by Aaron Fleming and then pushed Fleming's shot from a narrow angle into the side netting.

The side went in level at the break but it was Kendal who again dominated, Fleming again going close only to see his effort cleared by Niall Smith.

But it was Worksop who made the breakthrough on 56 minutes when Brunt struck an unstoppable free kick into the net.

Buoyed by the goal, the home side went 2-0 up six minutes later when a free kick into the area was inadvertently turned into the net by the desperately unfortunate Maguire.

Both teams continued to press as the game opened up with Jaaskelainen blazing over for Kendal while Lynton Karkach and Harry Holland missed chances for the hosts.

And Kendal set up a nervy finish for the hosts on 86 minutes when Wainwright scored from close range.

They almost grabbed a dramatic equaliser when Fleming blazed over from six yards, and it took some desperate last ditch defending from the hosts to stop the Mintcakes taking the game to a replay which on the balance of play they arguably deserved.