A GALLANT but goalless effort by Kendal Town failed to prevent Blue Square North league leaders Alfreton progressing to the first-round proper of the FA Trophy.

However, Lee Ashcroft’s side brushed aside their recent below-par performances as they played their part in a cup tie which was a much closer affair than the scoreline would suggest.

Showing respect to the opposition, Ashcroft went with a five-man midfield which included midweek signing Chris Ward, who has rejoined the club from neighbours Lancaster City.

And on an immaculate playing surface it was Kendal who made a positive start, taking the game to the home side.

Form player Danny Rowe was an obvious outlet for Kendal as he took up a wide left role and he was probing the Alfreton defence from the outset.

A mix-up between keeper Paddy Gamble and his own captain Aiden Flint almost gifted Alex Taylor an early opener, but Gamble recovered to claim the ball somewhat unconvincingly.

Two minutes later Rowe and Taylor linked up well to set up a half-chance for winger Carl Osman but he just failed to connect to the ball when at full stretch.

As Kendal continued to press Rowe was pulled back on the edge of the area and it was Kieran Walmsley who curled the subsequent free kick narrowly wide.

Then it was Rowe who was left cursing his luck moments later as he unleashed a 25-yard effort which, having deceived Gamble, struck the underside of his arm and somehow bounced over the crossbar.

Instead the home side’s first genuine attack saw them grab an 18th-minute lead. Lliam Hearn raced down the right flank and his early near-post cross was converted by Anthony Howell.

That solitary strike separated the two teams at the interval and Kendal came out with the same positive attitude.

A Ward volley was almost guided past Gamble by the head of captain Glen Steel and Town were almost back in the hunt on the hour when a slick move saw Danny Wisdom pull the ball back into the path of Ashley Dunn but Gamble saved with his outstretched foot.

Five minutes later, Walmsley went on a penetrative run which took him to the edge of the area. But forced onto his least favourite foot, his snap shot went narrowly wide.

The hosts took a firmer grip on the tie when substitute Paul Clayton converted Connor Franklin’s centre and further circumstantial late goals were added by the Derbyshire side through Hearn and Nathan Arnold.

Boss ashcroft was justifiably upbeat by the performance his side produced saying: "They took their chances and we didn’t.

However full credit to the lads. I asked them for a big performance and they delivered."

HOW THEY RATED: Newnes 8, Walmsley 9, Wisdom 8, Winters 8, Steel 8 (Kilford 71min, 6), Stopforth 8, Osman 8 (McGahon 71min, 8), Rowe 8, Taylor 8, Dunn 9, Ward 8. Subs (unused): Foster, Wraighton, Newton. Att: 399.

STAR MAN: Ashley Dunn - Another dynamic 90-minute display from the young midfielder.