Kendal Town head to North Shields this weekend needing a result after a run of poor form pushed the Mintcakes down to next-to-bottom in the Northern League. The away fixture follows Tuesday’s defeat at Bishop Auckland, one of the leading sides in the division.
There was no disgrace in Kendal losing to Bishop Auckland, who are described as hot title favourites, but the result added to concerns created by the club’s recent run. The Mintcakes now need to bring something back from North Shields, where the hosts have climbed to fourth in the table.
A difficult away assignment
North Shields will provide a demanding test. The hosts have played more matches than most teams in the league, including four more than Kendal, but their position makes them one of the division’s stronger opponents.
The match is part of a weekend in which all three Cumbrian clubs in the Northern League are back in action after midweek away defeats. Carlisle City, the best-placed of the trio in 12th, visit third-placed Shildon. Penrith travel to Horden CW after losing 3-0 at bottom side Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday.
Kendal’s need for points is shared by Penrith, with both clubs having slipped into the danger zone following their midweek results. For the Mintcakes, however, the immediate priority is to halt the slide and return from North Shields with something to show for the trip.
Other Cumbrian fixtures
Windscale are the first county side into action, travelling to Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Wearside League. They remain unbeaten in the league, but Rangers are regularly among the leading teams. Windscale’s squad is depleted, with Matty Pierce, Travis Fyfe, Rob Davidson and Joe Atkinson away, while Ray Sempill and Layton Jackson are injured.
In the West Lancashire League Premier Division, Kendal County travel to mid-table Hurst Green and are just above the relegation zone. Kendal United entertain improving Croston Sports, while Milnthorpe Corinthians host Millhead in the first round of the Westmorland County Cup.
Holker Old Boys have a break from league football and entertain Garstang in the Macron Cup. Millom host fourth-placed Lostock St Gerard’s after beating reigning champions Eagley last week, while Cleator Moor Celtic welcome Rossendale after their 2-1 win at Haslingden St Mary’s.
The weekend’s programme gives Kendal Town a chance to respond immediately to the Bishop Auckland defeat, but the task is complicated by North Shields’ strong league position and the gap in games played between the two clubs.