Kendal Town stayed top of the North West Counties Premier Division with an eventful 4-2 home win over Pilkington.
During the course of the game Kendal had their goalkeeper sent off, missed a penalty but still were able to come out on top against a committed Pilkington side. Oh yes, and James Bailey scored again to take him to nine for the season.
It was the former Walney Island forward who gave Kendal the lead in the 10th minute when he rose highest to head home a corner in fine style.
Pilkington came into the game and had a goal chalked off for off-side but on 41 minutes Kendal broke to score a good second goal. Bailey played in Steve Yawson and he took the ball on to slot it past the Pilkington keeper Jake Hilton.
Bailey could have had a second right on time but when Brandon Croskell-Robinson played one across the box, Hilton got down well to foil Kendal’s top scorer.
Two minutes into the second-half Kendal had a 3-0 lead when Christian Mather picked his spot and drilled home a fine shot from the edge of the area.
It was looking comfortable but Kendal suffered a rude awakening on 50 minutes when they seemed to go to sleep in defence and Adam Gilchrist reduced the arrears for the visitors.
Three minutes later keeper Hayden Roberts was sent-off for handling the ball outside his area and in a switch, manager Jimmy Marshall sent on Elliot Wilson to take over the gloves, replacing Croskell-Robinson.
He was nearly beaten by the first shot Pilkington took on but it came back off a post and then he did superbly to come and claim a high ball into the penalty area when the opposition forward looked favourite.
Pilkington had a clear headed chance but missed and at the other end, with Yawson and Bailey causing problems on the break Kendal won a penalty. Yawson was brought down in the area after showing great skills on the ball.
Unfortunately for the Mintcakes Ryan Winder’s spot kick was well saved by Hilton.
It didn’t prove costly because from the resultant corner Bailey Kenny appeared at the far post to head home.
Wilson made a good save again for Kendal but he was beaten on 83 minutes from the penalty spot by Tom Beckett who got up to take the kick after being brought down.
A remarkable 11 minutes were added on at the end but Kendal held on well to collect three more points and increase their lead at the top.
