Kendal Town chairman Michael O’Neill has handed out a special mention to West Lancashire League Division Two side Walney Island.
It follows a hat-trick from their former player James Bailey which helped Kendal to a 3-1 win over Litherland and leadership of the North West Counties Premier Division.
“We’d had out eyes on James for 12 months and he has come in and done really well in these opening games, scoring goals which we thought he would continue to do.
“Now Walney Island are absolutely delighted about him stepping up a level and doing well for us. I have to say that isn’t always the mind-set of clubs when their players have a chance to progress a level or two,” said O’Neill.
Bailey had given Kendal a flying start with two goals in the first six minutes but Litherland pulled one back before the half-time whistle.
The hat-trick was completed early in the second-half and Kendal had some nervous moments before the end against a good Litherland side.
O’Neill said: “I think there’s a case for saying that after our flying start Litherland looked the better side for long periods. But we managed the game well I thought and it’s great to be sitting top of the League after four wins out of four.”
Kendal struggled in the early weeks of last season following their relegation from the NPL West Division and it’s interesting to note that three sides who came down this time – Colne, Glossop and Skelmersdale – are floundering in the bottom six.
