THE Mintcakes were hit by their seventh consecutive loss following a difficult defeat at the hands of Clitheroe.

Kendal was defeated in their 3-1 game on a frustrating afternoon for David Woodruffs’ squad.

Kendal Town are currently sixteen points adrift of the relegation playoff but are continuing to battle forward on the pitch.

Their performance on the pitch was not without its moments of success, however mistakes did cost them goals against Clitheroe who have a chance of reaching the play offs.

After two weeks off, Kendal gave debuts to Keallen Huddlestone, Harli Dewhurst and Donte Thompson Prempeh while Gary Basterfield captained the side in the absence of Darren Nightingale who is currently recovering from an injury.

However, Kendal had a difficult start and were 1-0 down after just 28 seconds when a long throw by Lee Pugh caught out Kendal shot stopper James McClenaghan before Ross Dent fired the ball home from close range.

Clitheroe doubled their advantage after 19 minutes following another long throw by Pugh which skimmed off the gloves of McClenaghan and into the net with Pugh claiming a goal on his return from injury.

Kendal continued to struggle while the hosts held onto possession without providing the clinical final touch to put the game out of sight.

However, the youthful Mintcakes got back into the game after 29 minutes when a short pass at the edge of the box fell to Tyreece Davies who fired his shot past former Kendal Town shot stopper Chris Thompson.

Kendal defended deep during the second half with Clitheroe applying a lot of pressure with Max Cane hitting the cross bar on 61 minutes, the hosts created more opportunities from both Ross Dent and Sefton Gonzales while Richie Bakers free kick hit the cross bar.

With just six minutes left Clitheroe sealed the win after Billy Priestley headed the ball into the net from a deep corner.

Kendal will be hosting league leaders Warrington Rylands this weekend.

The club is also seeking to recruit more players in the coming months from their home town and surrounding area.