Kendal County have dropped into the bottom three after a 4-1 defeat away at Hurst Green, while Kendal United were also beaten as Croston Sports claimed a 2-1 victory in Kendal.

The results made for a difficult round of fixtures for Kendal’s senior football sides. County were three goals behind before Ryan Close gave them hope with a goal in the 75th minute, but Hurst Green added a fourth before the final whistle.

Kendal United beaten at home

Kendal United suffered a narrow home defeat against Croston Sports. The visitors made the stronger start, with Isaac Hayes scoring early and then adding a second immediately after half-time.

Thomas Varey pulled one back for Kendal United after 50 minutes, setting up a closely fought finish. However, Croston held on to take the points.

Holker Old Boys through in Macron Cup

Holker Old Boys progressed in the North West Counties League’s Macron Cup with a 3-0 win over Garstang at Rakesmoor Lane.

The South Cumbrians controlled most of the 90 minutes and could have been further ahead by half-time. Tyler Spence opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Tom Dawson doubled the lead from the penalty spot on 57 minutes.

Nathan Reid completed the win in the 74th minute. Reid, like Spence, has been in a strong run of goalscoring form, which has been important while Brandon Collins remains injured.

Holker return to league action at home to Bacup Borough in the Edward Case Cup on Saturday, before travelling to Maine Road on Monday, October 5 for a league fixture. Joint manager Dave Round also gave his thoughts on the Garstang match in an audio-only YouTube video.

Results from around the local leagues

Cleator Moor Celtic continued their good form with a 5-1 home victory over Rossendale in the West Lancashire League Premier Division. The result lifted Celtic to seventh, level on points with Millom but ahead of Millom, Astley and Buckshaw on goal difference.

Aidan Smith scored twice inside the opening 24 minutes. Rossendale reduced the deficit before half-time through an own goal, but Smith completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute. Harrison Rodgers and Dan Hill added further goals.

Millom lost 4-0 at home to Lostock St Gerard’s, although the scoreline did not fully reflect the contest. Millom hit the bar three times and had another effort cleared off the line while trailing by one goal. Their afternoon worsened when Ben Postlethwaite was sent off, with another Millom player also shown a yellow card.

Lostock’s goals came from Reece Thompson, Dan Pye, Charlie Markland and Matthew Bulcock. Millom manager Dave Allan acknowledged the quality of the visitors while expressing his frustration at the outcome.

Milnthorpe Corinthians began their defence of the Westmorland Cup with a 7-4 win at Millhead. Brad Temple’s first-half hat-trick helped the Westmorland League Third Division side establish a surprise 3-1 half-time lead, which became 4-2 before Corinthians recovered.

Zach Clarke scored three for Corinthians, with Reece Pearce adding two after coming on as a substitute. Ben Roberts and an own goal completed the scoring. Corinthians will travel to Wetheriggs in the second round.

Whitehaven beat Carnforth Rangers 4-1 in Division One, with Taylor Cueto, Luke Mason and Malaki Norford putting the home side 3-0 ahead by half-time. Sonny Graham pulled one back, but Oscar Pickering restored Whitehaven’s three-goal advantage three minutes later.

Askam United lost 2-1 at home to leaders Chipping despite Declan Baines making the second half interesting with a goal in the 55th minute. Holker Old Boys reserves lost 6-1 at Coppull United, with Diamante Pilani scoring Holker’s only goal.

Slyne-with-Hest resign from Division One

Slyne-with-Hest FC have resigned from the league after being unable to raise a team for their scheduled Division One match against Ulverston Rangers. The Lancaster-based club’s decision ends 69 years of existence.

Chairman Mark Joyce and secretary Dave Passant apologised for the impact on the league and other Division One clubs. The club said: “We thank you for all your support, advice and friendship over the past number of years and wish you all well in the future.”

Slyne-with-Hest’s record will be expunged and Division One will continue with 13 teams.