KENDAL Ladies knew they faced a stiff task at free- scoring North West Feeder League title contenders Wigton, but the cards just never fell right for them and they were well beaten.

When the sides met earlier Kendal had fought out a creditable 5-5 draw, but as Kendal only had a 12-strong squad, including at least four of those not 100 per cent fit, the omens were not good.

Even so, Kendal were pretty happy with their first-half display. In fact, their passing and movement and ball retention rattled Wigton and led them to stepping up a gear with painful consequences on the scoreline.

It was a contrast of styles with Kendal playing the flowing hockey and Jo Elleray providing that early goal.

Wigton moved the ball smartly from the back to two very capable forwards, who knew each other's game inside out and were nothing if not deadly finishers.

By half time Wigton were 2-1 ahead and a blistering start to the second half left Kendal dazed. A third goal went in within 45 seconds of the half starting and a couple more saw the visitors' head go down.

Kendal were left depleted when Sarah Brooks came off with a badly pulled calf- muscle and Helen Hartley bravely played on with a leg injury, but with several now playing out of position, it was not surprising that Wigton took advantage.

Kendal kept going and their short-corner routine was rewarded when Vicky Jones scored twice, including the final goal, to prove that they were not wanting for effort on the day.

Kendal are fifth in the table, two points and a place ahead of their other local rivals, Kirkby Stephen, who have two matches in hand and lost 2-1 to Crewe Vagrants on Saturday.