The Bill Robson Trophy opened with a 3-0 victory for Kendal Town against Crookland Casuals in a new competition named after a legendary player.

Bill, who was from Kendal, played for and managed Netherfield FC and was the inspiration for the new competition.

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The Mintcakes were made to work for the win where they scored all three goals during the second half after they were left frustrated during the first 45 minutes by their West Lancashire League Division Two opponents.

After a slow start it was Hugo Rodriguez who fired the ball over from close range 54 minutes in.

Kendal created further chances from Jackson Hulme's free kick which just went over, while Jna’I Butterfield Steed's speculative effort went over the bar.

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The Cumbrian side’s win came days after they faced West Lancashire League Premier Division side Vickerstown at the ST&B Accountants Stadium.

Kendal fielded two different sides in each half as manager Chris Humphrey had a strong squad of 26 players, and in the first half the Mintcakes made a strong start and were 1-0 up after a minute when Jamie Hodgson scored from close range.

Vickerstown equalised from close range, capitalising on a mistake in the penalty area, before former Kendal Town player Kyle Delves chipped the Kendal substitute goalkeeper in injury time as the visitors celebrated the win.

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Despite Kendal's league currently being on hold, the new Bill Robson Trophy has been created as a friendly replacement for the clubs, named after local player and former manager Bill Robson.

Vice-chairman Jay Rossi said: “While our league is suspended until January, we have a lot of stuff on.

"Creating our own league and naming it in honour of Bill is the way forward.

"In time we’ll have a stand for him as well.

“In his career he was sought after by Manchester United and he played for Netherfield before coming to the club as our manager.

"The guy needs remembering for all he did.”

Bill passed away aged 87 in 2019, after a career which included leading Netherfield to success in in the Lancashire Combination as player-manager.

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Chief executive officer Jo Ashworth said: "The Westmorland County FA has sanctioned the friendly cup named after Bill Robson.

"It has been put together and organised by Kendal Town to give opportunities for clubs and players in tier two an opportunity to play while some fixtures have been disrupted due to Covid -19.

"Participating clubs are expected to follow the recent FA guidance and we wish all the clubs and players good luck and hope they enjoy a safe return to football."