Kendal Town’s revival was halted on the artificial surface at Widnes where the Mintcakes went down 3-1 in NPL West action.
They had won and drawn their previous League games under new manager Warren Beattie to move within four points of safety.
Beattie said: “It was disappointing because they played the pitch better than we did. Defensively, as a team, we struggled.
“In the first-half we looked good on the break and created some good chances but were guilty of some very sloppy defending. To be fair, though, they scored three worldies.
“We will regroup and go again as we have 18 massive games left and are determined to stay up.”
Widnes had taken the lead on 14 minutes through Alex McMillan but Chris Wraighte brought the Mintcakes level nine minutes later.
It was still all square at the break but on 71 minutes Widnes regained the lead through John McGrath and clinched the points 11 minutes from the end through substitute Ryan Jennings.
Kendal will be next in action on Saturday when they host Bootle at Parkside Road. The Merseysiders lost 4-2 at home to Warrington Rylands at the week-end.
