For the second game in a row Kendal Town had to settle for a point and stay sixth in the North West Counties table.
After Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chadderton, denied by late goals, they were held 1-1 by Charnock Richard at Parkside Road.
This time it was Jimmy Msrshall’s side who had to score late to earn the point with a back post header from Ben Thomas after 75 minutes.
Charnock Richard had enjoyed their last visit to Cumbria – a 4-0 win in the FA Vase at Carlisle City.
They looked as though they were going to enjoy the return trip against the Mintcakes as they went ahead after only five minutes through Ash Young.
The visitors were more likely to add to that in the first half and Kendal needed a couple of goal-line clearances to keep it at 1-0.
Although they were brighter in the second-half Kendal still looked vulnerable to fast-breaking opposition and again needed a goal-line clearance to stay in touch.
Those defensive efforts proved invaluable when Thomas got free to head in the late equaliser and keep Kendal in the play-off mix.
They will hope to get back to winning ways on Friday night when they visit bottom side Skelmersdale United.
However manager Marshall will know that ‘Skem’ have improved dramatically of late and enjoyed a 4-3 Boxing Day win at Burscough.
