Kendal Town opened their season with a solid 1-0 home win over AFC Liverpool in the NW Counties Premier Division.
James Bailey scored the only goal of the game on 14 minutes to give the Mintcakes a winning start.
Chairman Michael O’Neill said: “I don’t think AFC Liverpool are the force once were and stiffer test will undoubtedly come but it was very nice to start with a win.
“I also think that James Bailey will score a lot of goals this season if he continues to get the right surface. He was very bright and lively throughout.
“We got him from the West Lancashire League where he scored a lot of goals and I think stepping up he will still score goals.
“On the day, however, we probably should have won by more whilst looking very comfortable at the back.
“There was a late scare from a looping header but our new keeper Chris Cheetham made a very good finger tip save.”
The game pulled 301 fans – the sixth successive gate which has topped 300 and a sign of the progress being made at Parkside Road.
Manager Jimmy Marshall said: “It would be great to build on that and I think there’s a very attractive game of football coming up on Tuesday when we are at home to Longridge Town.
“We know the way Lee Ashcroft sets up his teams and they will be no exception this season – young and vibrant who like to dominate on the ball so it will be a good test for us, but an entertaining game of football in prospect.”
