Kendal Town held off a strong challenge from the Isle of Man to continue their rise up the NW Counties Premier League table.
It finished 3-2 even though Kendal weren’t at their best against a committed Manx team.
Kendal chairman Michael O’Neill said: “To be fair the Isle of Man are fighting for their lives, currently just above the relegation zone.
“Having been through it last season we know what it’s like and if they continue to show the same commitment and spirit for the rest of the season I am sure they will be ok.
“For long periods they looked the better side and probably had better chances than us.
“But for us to win when not being at our best probably shows how much we’ve come on this season.”
Kendal already had one strong penalty appear turned down when they were awarded a spot kick in first-half stoppage time.
Rob Wilson made no mistake and right from the restart Kendal scored again when Finley Lynch cut in from the left and let one go into the top corner of the net.
Five minutes after the re-start the visitors pulled one back through Jack McVey from the penalty spot.
Tom Kilifin seemed to have made the game safe on 79 minutes with a third for the Mintcakes but the Manxmen weren’t finished.
Substitute Furo Davies grabbed a second for them and it was Kendal who were keenest to hear the final whistle.
Chairman O’Neill added: “After the game we held a fans forum in the clubhouse when 60 or more fans attended and we had some very good questions in what was a very worthwhile exercise.”
