AFTER a disappointing 37-6 at Macclesfield in National 3 North on Saturday, Kendal are regrouping in the hope that the Powergen Cup will bring them a confidence boost this weekend.

Longton, the Potteries side who last season were relegated from the same level that Kendal play at, come to Mint Bridge in the cup's first round on Saturday.

Kendal conceded five tries in all and failed to cross the Macclesfield line, their points coming from two Chris Park penalties at they trailed 13-6 at half time.

The loss of scrum-half Mark Airey with a head injury early on did not help and when Kendal had hooker Dun Green yellow-carded in the second half, the strong Macclesfield forwards took the opportunity to score two tries and stretched away for a comfortable victory.

If Kendal beat Longton on Saturday, they will earn a second-round home tie against either Reading or Scunthorpe.