Report: Kendal Town Vs Fleetwood Town
Fleetwood net two late goals to claim victory at Parkside in Town's last Pre-Season friendly..
Saturday 6th July 2011
Kendal Town succumbed to two late goals against Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town in their final warm up match for the new season.
KENDAL Town succumbed to two late goals against Blue Square Premier side Fleetwood Town in their final warm up match for the new season.
Town boss Lee Ashcroft was forced to go one up front with Alex Taylor, Gary McEvatt, Andy Bell and Mark Jackson all missing, but it was at the back that the Black and Whites showed their talents.
As the game got under way in the customary showers of the Lake District, it was Fleetwood who started the better, with Stefan Cox and Robert Atkinson breaking into the box, but Craig Dootson was equal to both efforts.
The first real chance for Kendal came on 20 minutes when John Ross whipped a ball into the penalty area, but keeper Scott Davies collected comfortably.
Fleetwood pressed on and should have gone ahead on 37 minutes when Magno Vieira struck at goal but Dootson made a reflex save to thwart the visitors and on half time Rory Winters cleared a Vieira shot off the line.
Marc Joseph looked solid in defence with Jordan Tucker growing in confidence with every game at right back.
After a goalless first 45, Kendal got more of the ball in the second half with a somewhat make-shift squad.
With Ciaran Donnelly absent and Mark Peers failing a late fitness test, Ashcroft opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation and on 49 minutes the signs were there for a better second half as Danny Williams tested Fleetwood keeper Davies with a rasping shot but it was parried away and cleared.
Tim Baines, Chris Ward and Andy Langford came on for Town but as time ran out Fleetwood got on top and took an 81st minute lead when George Donnelly latched on to a through ball and slotted under Dootson to the middle of the net.
Just two minutes later the lead was doubled when Keith Briggs headed home a Jamie Milligan cross.
Town had a late chance for a consolation when striker Mason McGeechan was played through but Davies pushed it behind for a corner and Fleetwood took the plaudits.
Ashcroft now has seven days before the season gets under way at home to Worksop Town and will be hoping to get Alex Taylor and Ciaran Donnelly back to match fitness this week.
Kendal Town Team: Craig Dootson, Jordan Tucker, Danny Wisdom (rep Tim Baines 73mins), Rory Winters, Marc Joseph (rep Andy Langford 62mins), Liam Blakeman, John Ross (rep Chris Ward 78mins), Keiran Walmsley, Mason McGeechan, Ashley Dunn, Danny Williams. Subs: Dave Foster, Matt Shaw.
STAR MAN: Marc Joseph - Kendal were solid at the back under his guidance.
Att: 202
