Kendal Town battle Workington Reds to a draw

The Cumbrian side showed huge character and commitment during their match against Workington in front of a strong crowd of 325 people.

Large periods of the game saw Workington dominate the space; however, they were repeatedly prevented from scoring by Morgan Bacon’s impressive string of saves.

The youthful squad of Kendal defended well and managed to keep Workington at bay.

The odds were against the younger side as they faced off against the favourites.

Especially since the previous season saw them suffer heavy defeats against their Cumbrian rivals.

However, Chris Humphrey had assembled a youthful, but also physically fit team, who put their bodies on the line throughout the game.

Humphrey has made it clear despite the age range of his squad, other teams can underestimate them at their peril.

Kendal made a strong start to the game.

The players begun with lots of endeavours and high energy as Workington were under pressure for the first ten minutes.

However, Workington eventually gained control and began to create opportunities.

Scott Allison saw his chance to shoot on the goal scrape the outside of the post.

Charlie Birch also made a good challenge to deny Brad Carroll a shot.

Morgan Bacon smothered Reuben Jeromes’ shot on goal.

Kendal’s only real chance fell to Chris Humphrey.

The former international dragged his shot wide before having to come off with an injury shortly after.

However, Bacon made the save of the game on the 42-minute mark after he pulled off an acrobatic save to deny Sam Smiths goal bound volley.

Workington were camped in the Kendal half for the second period.

Bacon tipped over Scott Allison’s header onto the bar, while there were numerous scrambles in the six-yard box.

These included some brave defending which produced a series of blocks.

Brad Carroll had a near post header flash over the bar but missed.

However, former Kendal Town player Dan Wordsworth had the two best chances.

The centre back blazed over the bar on two separate occasions from corners which left the field and the fans holding their breath.

Kendal’s pressure built up once more as debutant Hugo Rodriguez went the closest after volleying the ball over the bar from close range.

Jna’i Butterfield Steeds got into a good position before being denied a clear shot by the Workington defenders.

The game went into stoppage time with Workington working hard to keep Kendal pinned down in its own half.

However, the Kendal squad cleared a corner in the third minute of stoppage time just as referee Christopher Porter blew the whistle for full time.

Kendal celebrated a superb and brave performance before being congratulated by the fans after the game.

Kendal Town Vice Chairman Jay Rossi said: "I am delighted with the results this week, to pick up four points against two teams who will be high up their come the end of the season is fantastic.

"In previous seasons we would have lost those games and I am so proud of the players. Defensively speaking they were solid and showed off their experience and maturity against a very good team.

"The Workington performance was the steppingstone for our Tuesday Night game as well.

"We usually lose heavily against this team, but our new squad has shown great heart and also fitness and experience to take the point.

"I give real credit to Morgan during this match.

"He was outstanding and made a number of really good saves for us. Well done to him!"

The Kendal squad included Bacon, Ngongo, Birch, Lightfoot, Barnes, Bamba, Humphrey (Rodriguez 26), Livingston (Samson 85), Jaaskelainen and Holland-Wilkinson (McCarragher 71).

Its substitutes included Camacho and Fagan.

Workington Red’s brought a team made up of Atkinson, Clarke (Kelly 56), Brockbank (Bowman 83), Wordsworth, Smith, Casson, Potts (Holt 71), Carroll, Jerome, Allison and Hubbold.

Their substitutes included Robertson and Little.