Shawbridge today played host to one of the games of the season so far. Clitheroe and Kendal Town came into this game with only one point separating them, The Blues in 12th on 38 points with their opponents today in 14th. However the visiting Mint Cakes were in finer form, taking six points from their previous four games whilst Simon Garner’s men had only managed three points from the same number.

Clitheroe Kicked things off at 3pm, boosting the start of new signing Zac Dale and birthday boy in goal the now 29-year-old Peter Collinge, but it was only two minutes when Ross Dent made his mark, nudging the ball past Liam Bleeker In the Kendal goal after sustained and impressive pressure from the home side.

The Blues looked lively, daring, confident and impressive as they seemed carve through their opponents defence at will, Cory Bent and Jay Hart linking up well whilst Ross Dent and débuting Zac Dale seemed unplayable

20 minutes later came the next goal, Sefton Gonsalez pulled down in the box, a soft and sloppy penalty to give away was converted by Gonsalez for his 17th of the season. The Blues continued their attacking onslaught, captain David Lynch this time with the finish, a six-yard-box header left Bleeker embarrassed further in the 27th minute.

The 258 strong crowd waited a mere four minutes for the next goal, a sloppy sliced clearance played Zach Clark in on goal, confidently passing the ball into Collinge’s bottom right the birthday boy was robbed of his clean sheet wish. Although it wasn’t long before order was restored, Jay Hart this time, firing past keeper Bleeker in the 33rd minute.

It looked certain that the sides were going into the dressing rooms at 4-1 until Seydou Bamba was adjudged to have brought down Jordan Connerton, a decision which infuriated Blue players, managerial staff and fans a like, no card was shown but the penalty was scored by the man who’d earned it. All of a sudden Clitheroe looked under pressure.

Visiting Kendal commenced the second half but only two minutes later Clitheroe found themselves restarting the game from the centre spot after halftime substitute Jack Keller connected with his fellow Mint Cake before finishing past Collinge. The score now 4-3 Garner’s Blues stepped up a gear, showing off some of finest football seen at Shawbridge as they tore the visitor’s defence apart. Roberto Bonaminio unlucky in hitting the bar from a thunderous free kick in 49th minute.

Simon Garner was then introduced for Ross Dent, the 55th minute substitute had his cross blocked by a stray Danny Forbes arm, referee Gibbons showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot for the third time in 68 minutes. It was The Blue’s number 9 who stepped up again, Gonzales despatched down the middle for his second of the game.

At 5-3 the Shawbridge side showed no sign of parking the metaphorical bus as they pushed for six, and it came in form a glorious 78th minute Louis Mayers free kick. Taken from just outside the box Bleeker stood no chance as Mayers’ curling strike was guided into the top right of the Kendal Keeper’s net. Although it took only one minute for the Mint Cakes to respond as Andrew Byrom finished off the scoring with a delicate chip over Collinge.

Ending 6-4 the result leaves neither defence happy but does mean Clitheroe move onto 41 points, however a win for Lancaster City keeps The Blues in 12th position and five points away from 10th placed Mossley in The Northern Premier League. Kendal Also hold their league place, Burscough on 36 points and in 15th place are now preparing to dine on the Mint Cakes.

Assistant manager Ryan Parr wasn’t delighted by The Blue’s defence but is happy win the three points:

“We’ve won, 6-4 isn’t ideal for the purist but we’ve got a win and we needed a win”

Manager Simon Garner was pleased with the win but admitted his team lacked at times:

“Delighted to get three points after a few weeks without a win, for the neutral a great game.

“But from a manager’s point of view not too happy obviously conceding four, on the other hand scoring six you’ve got to be happy with the attacking side.”

The Man in charge continued:

“We got three points and look to kick on now, we’re back at home next Saturday.

“We played Scarborough last week so we know what they’re about, we look forward to play that game.”

As Simon mentioned Clitheroe’s next game is against Scarborough FC at Shawbridge on Saturday 21st 3pm kick off.

Man Of The Match: Ross Dent, providing one of his best performances in a blue shirt Dent impressed throughout, key challenges and spot on passing gave him presence, whilst his forward play and distribution put him on a podium.

Teams:

Clitheroe:

Peter Collinge, Danny Morton, Seydou Bamba, Roberto Bonaminio
Laquan Esdaille, Ross Dent (Garner, 55), Zac Dale, David Lynch (c), Sefton Gonzales, Jason Hart (Mayers, 73), Cory Bent (Burns, 73).

Subs: Louis Mayers, Richard Burns, James Walker, Ryan Cattermole, Simon Garner.

Kendal Town:
Liam Bleeker, Rob Henry, Danny Forbes, Rory Winters, Ricky Mercer (c), Aaron Halliwell (Stringfellow, 78), Reece Fishwick, Tommy Watson, Jordan Connerton, Greg Johnstone (Keller, 45), Zach Clark.

Subs: Jack Keller, Andrew Byrom, George Mason, Micheal Stringfellow.
Goal scorers:

Yellow Cards:

Clitheroe: Ross Dent, David Lynch

Kendal: Andrew Byrom, Michael Springfellow, Danny Forbes

Attendance: 258