Kendal United versus Endmoor Saturday 16th of February
United entertained Endmoor on Saturday looking to take the good form forward from the previous Saturday.
With the same 11 players starting as it was the first time for a while this was possible due to injuries and commitments.
Quite what happened in the first 5 minutes was something unexplainable as we went 2 goals behind. We just didn’t start and the first goal was very poor but the 2nd had to be seen to be believed. So there we were totally punch-drunk after what was a whirlwind first few minutes and a reaction from the lads was expected but just didn’t materialise. We just didn’t get going and in truth Endmoor could have really pulled away from us but thankfully they didn’t. We had a couple of chances late in the half but we didn’t look likely to score and looked lacklustre in our approach.
Half time united 0 Endmoor 2
So the strict words and change of personnel looked to get us back into the game but we didn’t make or even look like creating many chances. We huffed and we puffed but by now Endmoor had control of the game and we didn’t look like pulling it back. We created bits and pieces but nothing that looked like a serious threat to the Endmoor goal. We changed our tactics and went for three up front but that could either be inspired or would cost us. Well the latter happened and we let in two late goals and being honest it could have been more!! We did get a late penalty which was taken well by Ali Wilson.
Final score united 1 Endmoor 4
No argument today we were totally outplayed and out worked by a gutsy and hardworking Endmoor. At times we looked disinterested and uptight but the issues regarding this game will remain in “house” but I hope we take the key points on board. We are a far better team than we showed on Saturday and my words about local pride should ring loud in every player’s ears.
Kendal United versus Burneside Reserves Saturday 9th February. Junior Cup Quarter Final
United made the short trip through to Burneside on Saturday hoping to progress to the semi finals of the Junior Cup. We didn’t start very well and allowed Burneside a couple of soft efforts on our goal, they had decided to play 3 up front but we didn’t panic and kept our shape. Once we had weathered the early storm our game began to flow. Both Jason Tucker and Sam Tempest were getting lots of ball down the wing, quite how Ashley Duffuss didn’t score after 10 minutes only he will know!!
By now we were peppering their goal and Tucker was running rings around his man and creating chance after chance but we couldn’t find the finish. Nathan Wooff in midfield was now starting to find his man with excellent through balls and eventually we managed to score. A good ball to Tucker was then delivered to the feet of Luke Finch who tucked his shot past the keeper. 1.0. Tucker fired a superb shot at goal but it bounced back off the bar and soon after Luke Finch saw a shot thud back off the post
This spurred us on and again we created good chances but we lacked the finishing touch time after time. On the half hour mark we went further ahead with an almost replica goal but this time it was Tempest who found the finish making it 2.0
Burneside had the odd moment but Mitchell in goal was a virtual spectator by now.
Quite how we didn’t go into the break further ahead was mystery but that was how the half ended
Half time united 2 Burneside 0
We started the 2nd half in a similar vein to the first and allowed Burneside to create the odd chance but we soon got back into the groove. After a foul on the edge of the box Nathan Turner stepped up and fired a superb low shot deep into the corner giving the keeper no chance 3.0
Chance after chance came and went but as with the first half we just lacked the killer touch in front of goal. More excellent wing play from Tucker saw a deep ball fizz across the box and Luke Finch managed to get a toe to it and nip it past the diving keeper making it 4 nil just past the hour mark. Straight from the kick off we completely switched off and allowed Burneside time and space which they used well and a soft goal was conceded 4.1. Tucker was unlucky as yet again he took the ball down superbly then fired a powerful effort goal wards only to see it hit the bar and go safe. It didn’t look like Tucker was going to get on the score sheet today!!
We had a 5 minute wobble but substitute Matt Smith calmed everyone’s nerves as he collected a central ball then lost his man and put his low shot past the keeper making it 5 nil with 10 minutes remaining.
We should have had more but near the end of the game substitute Graeme Archer finished his current run in the team before returning to University with a well taken goal.
Final score United 6 Burneside reserves 1
Although we scored 6 great goals we could and should have had plenty more but everyone involved was very happy with the result. We looked much better in attack and both wingers caused them so many problems they didn’t know which way to turn. As a team we defended better and although they had the odd moment we looked solid on the deck and in the air. Both Wooff and Mark Davis won everything in the air for the first 70 minutes and that made a massive difference.
So we are now in the lunchtime draw on Monday and lets see who we get in that but we must take this performance forward and impose our football on teams and play with high tempo!!
The junior cup is one of the three major Westmorland F.A competitions and let’s try our best when the semi comes to earn ourselves a night game final at Parkside Road. We can forget about this competition until next month and concentrate on our league aspirations.
Well done lads top result!!
Man of the match:
Jason Tucker was superb today and he absolutely tortured his man in the first half and so much so the poor chap was substituted after 45 minutes. When Tucker is in this kind of form there aren’t many full backs that can live with him and today that was the case. He took people on and delivered some killer crosses and on another day might have had 2 goals but was denied by the crossbar twice. Excellent performance Jason and I know you are capable of keeping that going until the end of the season which will give us a massive chance of success.
Top job!!!
Kendal United versus Appleby Reserves away Saturday 26th January
A full squad made the trip to Appleby on Saturday in the 2nd round of the divisional cup competition. This was always looking like being a cagey affair and this became evident from the start. Appleby had the early play and we struggled to get any rhythm into our play and gave the ball away too freely. Slowly but surely we started to get some flow, but neither side could break the respective defences down. Appleby chose to shoot from distance and crowd the midfield but as the half went on we created the odd opening. Ashley Duffuss fired a great cross across the 6 yard box but no one could get on the end of it. We had one good chance just before the break but Jason Tucker couldn’t quite get it down and it struck the bar and went safe. The half finished with neither keeper having to make a significant save.
Half time Appleby 0 United 0
This game was a footballing game of chess and with the honours even at the break we needed to speed up our passing and be more accurate. The first 15 minutes of the game were very similar to the first half with no testing shots on goal or real quality play. Play started to open up and gaps were now starting to appear although a very indifferent referee didn’t exactly help. Luke Finch came on and his hold up play made an instant difference but still we couldn’t get into a position to shoot. At the back for United Rob Warwick was imperious and a tackle in the box saved a certain goal and that tackle even brought applause from the local Appleby fans. We probed and harried but of course when going forward we left small gaps but neither keeper had much to do. The game looked certain for extra time but with just a couple of minutes to go Appleby broke and scored. A run down the left eluded our defence and his deflected cross was buried past the helpless Mitchell in goal. So with 2 minutes to go we threw the lot at Appleby but it wasn’t to be our day.
Final score Appleby Reserves 1 United 0
Although it was disappointing to lose today we cannot be too downbeat as any team going to Appleby will find it tough. The referee didn’t help but that’s no excuse and overall it was an evenly balanced game. We need to relax a bit now and get our flow back plus do the simple things well, our confidence will return I am certain of that. So its back to the all important league next Saturday and the lads need to be motivated to get back to winning ways as we only have 8 games remaining and our position is very good so let’s push on!!!
Man of the match:
Without doubt the best player on the pitch today who led his team by example was Rob Warwick. He tackled like his life depended on it and at times when it looked like we were going to be opened up there was Rob to clear the danger. Excellent game Rob and lets hope this run of form continues as we head to the finishing line.
Kendal United versus Penrith Rangers reserves Saturday 19th January
United entertained a strengthened Penrith rangers on Saturday due to their first team fixture being cancelled. With this is in mind we knew we were in for a tough afternoon, we started brightly and had two good chances in the first 10 minutes. The Penrith defence just couldn’t cope with our movement and on the quarter hour mark we went ahead through Ash Duffuss. He collected a great through ball and fired past the static keeper making it 1.0 to united. We now had total control of the game and chance after chance came our way but we didn’t capitalise, even when the empty goal was gaping we couldn’t further our lead. For half an hour we had Penrith pinned back but to no avail and as is typical in this type of game the first time they attacked us they scored.1.1
This spurred us on and soon after we managed to score a second with a great finish from Sam Tempest, making the score 2.1 at half time
Half time united 2 Penrith 1
We knew the game should have been far out of Penrith`s reach but due to us not taking our chances we had to stay calm and create more chances and take them. They started much the brighter but they didn’t threaten our goal too much. That said they were starting for the first time to get a foot hold and we needed to get our game going again. On the hour mark we scored what we thought was the vital 3rd goal, Duffuss this time used his height superbly and his downward header dropped into the bottom corner 3.1. We looked to have the game sown up but for some reason we didn’t look comfortable and this was emphasised when a good effort came back off our post. So we had been warned but as in the first half we had plenty of chances to put the game out of reach. With 10 minutes remaining you could feel the tension and Penrith were now inspired as we started to tire. For some reason the referee awarded a penalty that firstly wasn’t a foul and secondly wasn’t committed in the box. This was dispatched so with 5 minutes to go it was 3.2.
We now looked out on our feet and we lost the influential Ali Wilson who succumbed to sever cramp. So the remaining 10 men had to battle on and try to hold what we had. We had two golden chances to finish the game late on but again we failed to score so it was going to be a nervous finish. We won a corner and with hindsight we should have just held the ball in the corner but in typical Utd style we went for another goal and it cost us dearly. The corner was diverted straight downfield and a deft header just eluded Mitchell in goal making it 3.3 in the last few seconds of the game.
Full time Utd 3 Penrith rangers 3
Anyone who watched this game will know we should have had the points sown up in the first 45 minutes. The ball somehow stayed out and I feel we put so much energy into this period we suffered for it later in the game!!
It was another learning curve and one I am sure we will learn from quickly, from a coaches point of view I want to see the flair football and now again we will suffer for that style. Not everyone will agree with that but if we are to go up and play in the higher divisions lets do it properly and play good football and enjoy our saturdays.
Everyone was gutted to let the game slip from a good position but I hope we can react in the right way on Saturday and get a run going until the end of the season!!
Man of the match: another hardworking performance from Sam Tempest who weighs in with his share of goals and it was the same today. His running and work off the ball never goes unnoticed and his goals are always a bonus. Good job Sam well done!!
Kendal United versus Shap Reserves Saturday 5th January 08
After a lay off due to the weather and Christmas this was the first game United had played since early November. Although we had played a friendly on the Wednesday before which was more to shake off the cobwebs and regain match fitness!!
The game started at the usual break neck pace that these fixtures have become accustomed to, the honours were even for the first 10 minutes as both sides probed and looked for gaps. We started to find our rhythm and should have gone ahead but the final ball was letting us down. With 15 minutes gone we managed to break the deadlock and take the lead, excellent wing play saw the ball delivered to the onrushing Graeme Archer who tucked his shot home under considerable pressure. 1.0
The game ebbed and flowed with both teams creating good chances but neither team could find the killer touch in front of goal. We certainly had a fair amount of scares but Ian Mitchell in goal plus the excellent Utd back four kept them at bay. In particular captain Rob Warwick was have a very good game and he gets better as a captain as time goes on. Just before the half time break we conceded a corner and this was met powerfully at the back post giving Mitchell no chance 1.1.
Half time 1.1
So far we had played well and needed to continue this plus be a bit more decisive when in possession. We got going and settled much quicker than Shap, our wing play and the general work rate was excellent so the game started to turn back into our favour. On the hour mark we took the lead again through Ashley Duffuss who met a great cross but still had a lot do with his header but he did this superbly finding the top corner of the net 2.1
We now looked a bit more comfortable but Shap still mounted good attacks so we needed to be on our toes. A superb break away following a Shap corner saw us outnumber them and a great ball across the box was buried into the corner again by Duffuss 3.1 united.
There was still 15 minutes to go and Shap certainly hadn’t given up, for some reason we started giving away daft free kicks and allowed them to attack us far too easily. A superb save by Mitchell in goal was truly from the top drawer as he had just been clattered and was awaiting treatment but he still managed to palm the ball away. With 10 minutes to go we conceded a sloppy goal even though the player looked offside we stopped and he finished comfortably from close range. 3.2
This of course caused Utd to become nervous and it was time to keep our heads and not allow Shap back into the game. With them looking to equalise we pulled away with a rapid break led by new signing Matt Smith, he just kept going and played the ball wide to Duffuss who played a low ball across the edge of the box to Jason Tucker. He took a touch then fired an unstoppable shot deep into the far corner giving the keeper no chance and securing a valuable 3 points for United. 4.2
The game was won and we totally deserved our win.
Final score United 4 Shap 2
This was a good game to watch with two fully committed teams and a referee who had obviously encountered Shap many times and knew how to control their antics!!
Everybody worked extremely hard and to take 6 points off Shap is a great achievement by any standards. The team worked their socks off and defended very well. We must now continue this form and take it forward into the New Year.
Man of the match:
Today we needed to be strong and challenge them in every area of the pitch, and we saw the value of our captain Rob Warwick. He headed superbly well and led the back line like his life depended on it; he talked to the team for the whole 90 minutes and led by example. Superb performance Rob well done!!
Kendal United versus Kirkby Lonsdale Junior Cup round 2 Saturday 17th November
United travelled to Kirkby on Saturday, looking to lift the spirits after the disappointment of the week before. Changes were made in an effort to give players who have been on the sidelines a game and also to shake things up a little.
This saw Matt Smith start up front and Luke Finch start on the left with a couple of regular starters making way. We began really well and didn’t allow Kirkby to settle at all, good movement and passing started to create openings for United. Following an innocuous challenge Smith went down holding his shoulder and it soon became evident that he had dislocated his shoulder and was in a fair amount of pain. What an unlucky lad he was as he has been so patient and when he got his first full start he gets dealt some bad luck. This then saw the return of Nathan Wooff after a long period out injured but he could do nothing as we switched off and allowed Kirkby to score an easy opening goal. 1.0 Kirkby.
They then controlled the next 15 minutes as we seemed to struggle to get over the fact we had gone behind. Slowly we started to create chances and Sam Tempest had a couple of good efforts and one of these bounced off the bar and over. Nathan Turner was now managing to get forward and his pinpoint crosses were not put away but he kept putting the ball into the danger zone. With half an hour gone we got the deserved equaliser through Dan Poss who collected a loose ball in the box and fired home making it 1.1. Poss was having an excellent game next to Wooff and the goal certainly lifted his confidence. We created good chances to go further ahead but so did Kirkby so the half time score was fair.
Half time united 1 Kirkby 1
We began the 2nd half looking to score the vital second goal and then try to get some control in the game. We pinned Kirkby back and chance after chance came our way but our finishing in front of goal really let us down. By now we had Kirkby just where we wanted them and Luke Finch and Ash Duffus had superb openings in front of goal but it just wouldn’t go in. Wooff then felt his ankle after being out for so long there was to be no risks taken so he was replaced by Jason Tucker. Tucker got straight into the game and had a fine effort on goal; he started to dominate the right hand side. We pushed and harried Kirkby and eventually we took the lead. An excellent ball from Tucker was headed firmly home by Duffus who took his chance really well. 65 minutes gone United 2 Kirkby 1
We now looked in complete control and again we had chance after chance with even Lorne Poss getting in on the act but we couldn’t find the killer 3rd goal. With 15 minutes to go we switched off whilst attacking and allowed Kirkby an equaliser. We had been warned earlier as Mitchell in goal pulled of a great save with his legs but this time he couldn’t do anything United 2 Kirkby 2
After the amount of chances we had created there was a fear on the sidelines we were going to blow it but soon after we went ahead again. Another good ball from Tucker was given the slightest of flicks by Finch and it eluded the keeper making it 3.2 with 5 minutes to go. We allowed them one final chance and the substitute for Kirkby should have done better but thankfully he fired wide. Had we let another goal in it would have been so undeserved but we didn’t and we went on to finish the game off.
Final score United 3 Kirkby Lonsdale 2
This was a good game to watch and certainly a return to our usual form following a tough few weeks. We must have created 10 good chances to score but it just wouldn’t go in but when it mattered we were good enough to see out the game. The game was affected by our injuries but that’s the way it goes some Saturdays and thankfully none of the injuries are long term and all should be available for the Shap game in two weeks time. The thinking behind the changes was to freshen things up a bit and none of the players who didn’t start have done anything wrong but myself and Simon took the opportunity to give players a game prior to the resumption of our league campaign.
This result sees us go into the quarter final draw which is a fabulous achievement in one of the major cup competitions in Westmorland. We can forget about this competition now until February when the games get played.
The most pleasing thing today was our attacking flair returned and Kirkby just couldn’t live with that but we know we have to take more of our chances.
Man of the match:
There were a few contenders today but Danny Poss in midfield was superb, he had a change of partner 3 times due to the injuries situation but dealt with that really well. He is a very good player and today he was superb and looks like his form is returning at a vital time for us. Well done Danny you were superb.
Just a quick footnote to this, Mark Barnes Davis today had to change positions 3 times and he was ever reliable so a big thanks to him also for his hard work and effort.
Kendal United versus Ambleside reserves Saturday 10th November
After a small break due to no fixture the week before United entertained league leaders Ambleside on Saturday. The game was cagey to begin with and both teams just probed and harried each other. Ash Duffus managed to get his body into a good position to fire a header that the keeper managed to hold. After 20 minutes we went ahead following a foul on the left hand side, Jason Tucker floated a perfect ball onto the head of Duffus who hammered his header home. 1.0 United
Ambleside who had created a couple of decent opening themselves fought back and created good chances which we sometimes defended well or got lucky!!
The referee was having a very strange afternoon and he seemed to want to be the star of the show. For such an important game the incidents were small and mostly incidental. The half ended as the half had started with both sides looking for an opening but not gambling and creating it.
Half time United 1 Ambleside 0
At half time we knew that we had to continue to create chances to win the game so we planned to move the ball faster. We came out of the blocks much quicker and both Luke Finch and Tucker had good opportunities but the second goal seemed to evade us. Both sides were evenly matched but Ambleside have an experienced front line and that experience gave them a way back into the game. The ball into the striker’s feet was causing us problems and after a good turn the referee adjudged a free kick to Ambleside. After complaints from Ambleside he went to where he saw the incident then gave a dubious penalty. This was dispatched to bring the game level on 65 minutes. United 1 Ambleside1
Our reaction now was going to be important and the game again ebbed and flowed but both teams could only create half chances. Matt Smith who came on for the last 20 minutes really put in some hard graft and he created gaps with good running. The game looked like petering out to a draw when the unthinkable happened.
We had been pushing for all 3 points and got done going for it!!! After a United attack had broken down a long ball beat everyone but was caught by the nippy winger who collected the ball and fired it home making it 2.1 with a minute to go.
There was no way back and the feeling of despair was evident on everyone’s faces.
Final score United 1 Ambleside reserves 2
The game was a bit of a rollercoaster and both sides created good chances but it wasn’t a pretty game to watch. To say we are gutted to lose in the last minute is an understatement but we have to take it on the chin and move on and look forward to the next game. I think the trick now is that we need to realise we are everyone’s favourite scalp so we need to raise our game. The key words from me are to “relax” and play “our” game and we will be challenging for promotion. Get closer to our opponents and impose our game on them rather than reacting to incidents and I am sure we will do well.
This game brought to an end the first half of our season in division 3 with the following stats:
Played 10 won 7 lost 3
So the challenge now is can we repeat that and better it in the 2nd half of the season?? I think we can lads so this Saturday we have a cup tie so let’s go and play our football and enjoy!!
Equally be very proud of the fact you have moved up a division and have more than held your own.
Man of the match:
Ali Wilson at the back again proved to be beyond his years with another great display. He took time to adjust to the experienced player he was marking but when he did he was in control. Forcing his man away and nicking in to get the ball was the way he played today with great effect. Well done Ali
Kendal United Vs Kendal Celtic Res (Junior Cup) October 27th 2007
Kendal made a few changes to personnel for this cup fixture which saw Ian Atkinson return to left back against his old team, Andy Johnson returning to midfield and Graham Archer starting instead of the ineligible Ashley Duffus. The talk before the game was about Celtic possibly trying to stop our game and making this a dog fight as they know us probably better than any other team as we know them. The emphasis was on making sure that at all costs we moved the ball quickly and did not get involved with any unnecessary conflicts. We would have to make sure we won as much as possible in midfield and play as wide as possible with quick football.
The game started on time with Curt only having a few minutes warm up due to playing in the morning. Sure enough Celtic were quick to try and make this a scrappy game doubling up on every ball to be won. This very quickly became a task in itself as we were finding it difficult to play our football as every time Celtic got the ball it was hit high and long. Finch and Archer were running hard up front but to no avail as the Celtic defence were solid and they were becoming predictable. Tucker and Tempest were getting frustrated at the lack of service and were being dragged into the dog fight in midfield, which did nothing for our game plan and was playing right into Celtics hands. Good work from Johnson saw Archer have the only real chance in the first half for either team with a 35 yard thunderbolt which was a sure goal. Yet some how the Celtic keeper got to it right in the top corner making a fantastic save that he had no right to get to.
Half time 0-0
The half time team talk was about believing in themselves and their football. We had to play to our game not theirs and Tempest and Tucker were told to get chalk on their boots. Archer and Finch had to vary their runs and everyone needed to talk to each other more and as Celtic (who are excellent at it) were calling for every decision and communicating well, Johnson and Barnes-Davies had to ensure one stayed when one went instead of both going leaving holes in the middle. The second half started very quickly with Tucker and Tempest creating chance after chance by playing out wide which created the space in the middle to allow us to play our natural game. Barne-Davies was the usual terrier in midfield and won the ball well drove into space and played a perfect pass to Tucker on the wing, Tucker checked inside well and drove a shot from 20 yards which the keeper saved well only for Finch to latch onto the loose ball and slot home for 1-0 to United on 52 minutes. United had started to believe in themselves and were playing some wonderful football around the tiring Celtic. Another golden opportunity fell to Archer after great work by Tempest down the wing only for Archer to some how miss from 2 yards and near the middle of the goal and give Celtic a Goal kick due to the ball going wide. The game went a bit flat inevitably after 20 minutes and changes were made with Turner coming on for Atkinson to give some composure at the back, Roberts for the tiring Johnson as a holding midfielder and Postlethwaite for again the tiring Archer. Turner took a few touches to get into the game but then he was the difference at the back with some composed passing. A soft corner led to Celtic getting a rare opportunity to test Davies in goal yet it was from a bit of confusion on our part and a bobbley pitch that led to Celtics equaliser (which was in no way deserved) 1-1 75 mins (we must get better at defending set pieces in the future). Celtic seemed to find a bit of drive from then as goals can some time do, they seemed to be on the ascendancy until Warwick took control at the back thwarting any Celtic attack and giving the rest of the team confidence with Celtic resorting to 40 yard shots which were never going to beat the excellent Davies in goal. We started to have chance after chance again and playing our football well down the wings. Turner won the ball well in defence then played a perfect ball to Barnes-Davies who drove on laid to Tucker who beat his marker and then laid in Tempest to lay off to Finch to shoot and the Celtic keeper could only parry the shot into Postlethwaites path to score at the second attempt 2-1 United 86 mins. The last few minutes saw United with their ever more experienced back four stop any Celtic advances and won the game easily in the end.
Final Score Celtic 1 United 2
The game was made more difficult than necessary but all credit to Celtic they knew they could not out play us or out run us so used their experience to make it difficult, also without their excellent goal keeper it could have been more. This was the result needed against our local rivals Celtic to give us the boost for our next game in two weeks against Ambleside who will play much the same way with aggressive football.
Man of the Match
Today there were a few excellent games but one player I thought was back to almost his best after a couple of poorer weeks by his standards. Sam Tempests strong tackling, good decision making and strong runs just edged it today. You are a quality player Sam keep it up well done. I still believe you have something else in the tank though and we will need to see it against Ambleside.
Kendal United versus Wetheriggs A away Saturday 20th October
United travelled to Frenchfields on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways after last weeks cup game. The game started and we just didnt seem to be on the ball and we just chased shadows and didnt close them down fast enough. With just 6 minutes gone we fell behind to a fluky goal that was hit from just outside the box and with the bright sunshine eluded Curt Davies in goal. 1.0 Wetheriggs.
From the re-start it didnt get much better and soon after we fell further behind to what can only be described as very sloppy defending. A low ball fizzed across the box and found its way to the far post and the man on the line didnt get it away so it sneaked in making it 2.0.
We were all at sea and for some reason unknown at the time we just couldnt seem to get into the game. A disastrous 25 minute spell was compounded when Riggs cut us open and scored a 3rd goal from a counter attack. 3.0.
We were in real trouble now and nothing we did seemed to work and the first half was totally dominated by Wetheriggs. There were no positives from the first 45 minutes so changes had to be made at half time.
Half time Wetheriggs 3 United 0
We changed our formation as now we had to chase the game; we put an extra man in midfield and pushed a second striker up alongside Ashley. This of course meant we were going to be short at the back but we had nothing to lose. We started much better and could have got a couple of goals back early on but poor finishing meant this didnt happen. By now were in control of the ball and had riggs pinned in their own half but they were defending well. On the hour mark we managed to get a goal back from a Duffus header and it was hoped this would open the floodgates. 3.1
We pushed and probed but poor communication and finishing saw us get more and more frustrated. We created some excellent chances but when Graeme Archers shot hit the bar and we had two chances cleared off the line it wasnt looking like being our day. By now we were battering Wetheriggs and their keeper pulled off a couple of very good saves, one save looked like a sure fire goal but somehow he flipped it over the bar. We pushed them right until the end and created enough chances to have won the game easily but today it wasnt to be.
Final score Wetheriggs 3 United 1
The first 25 minutes of this game can only be described as truly awful and we gave them so much time and space it was looking scary for a while. The half time team talk and change of formation saw us greatly improve but by then Riggs had shut up shop and settled down to defending their lead. I am pleased we put up a fight in the 2nd half but very upset about the opening 45 minutes as players just didnt seem to want it enough. This was a team we beat 4 nil three weeks ago so we knew we were capable of getting the points
There was something wrong today as too many players didnt perform!! It came to my attention after the game that a good few players had been out drinking the night before and everyone knows my view on this. We had players suffering from hangovers from the night before!!
What really disappoints me is that myself and Simon work so hard to prepare you for the games and by going out drinking you let us and yourselves down. You lose at least 20% of your drive if you are suffering the effects of alcohol and today thats what cost us a very valuable 3 points.
I hope the lads took on board my comments after the game and we can forget it and move on but lads be WARNED.
I will not accept it, if you continue to go out on Friday nights, I will find players that dont do this if necessary and make changes.
Take this on board:
STAY OFF THE DRINK THE NIGHT BEFORE MATCHES!!!
I appreciate you are young but surely a Saturday night after a good win is reason enough to abstain from booze on the Friday?
Training on the astroturf at Kirkbie Kendal resumes this Thursday. Players to meet at 6.20pm
Man of the match:
One player in the back four performed today and that was Ali Wilson, when it was all going pear shaped he kept getting to his man and winning the ball. He wont be happy with the third goal but overall he was one of the few players who performed on the day and he just keeps on getting better and better. Well done Ali
Kendal United versus Appleby Benevolent Trophy Round 1 Saturday 13th October
United entertained the current division 1 leaders on Saturday hoping to continue our good form from the previous weeks.
We knew we had to concentrate as Appleby are a much better side than Windermere who we played and beat last Saturday. The game started cagey and both sides didnt settle well on the sticky surface, but you could tell Appleby were up for the challenge. Slowly they started to dominate the midfield and it seemed as we plugged one gap they created another. With 15 minutes gone we gave away a silly free kick right on the edge of our area and this was buried comprehensively giving Mitchell in goal no chance. 1.0 Appleby.
This inspired them and we just couldnt seem to get a bit of time on the ball or pick up and win the second ball when it dropped our way. Soon after they went further ahead through a dubious referees decision to award a goal even though it was obvious the ball hadnt crossed the line. 2.0 Appleby.
The game wasnt pretty to watch but Appleby had such a good first touch and held the ball so well we just didnt get into the game. Just before half time they got a 3rd goal and it showed the difference in being clinical between the two divisions as they didnt panic and the ball was buried by the best placed player.
Half time United 0 Appleby 3
We needed to regroup at half time and changes in personnel were needed so with a plan to get closer to them we started the 2nd half well. In fact we had our first two proper shots on goal after the resumption and it looked like we might have a glimmer of a chance. Soon it became evident this wasnt going to happen as Appleby were solid at the back and we allowed them to hold the ball up too easily. They were not a pretty team but they did the simple things so well and at times we just chased shadows. We lacked our usual desire and they pulled ahead further with a close range effort again giving Mitchell no chance. 4.0 Appleby
We were now staring down the barrel and our body language told the story and we looked a beaten side. Lorne Poss was one of a few players who kept belief and he put in a good display today but not enough players were performing. Tactically it was a nightmare game as every time we looked to change something they just dealt with it and kept pushing forward. They went further ahead with a cheeky back heel at the back post and with 10 minutes to go we were wobbling to say the least 5.0 Appleby.
It was now a case of holding on and the excellent Mitchell who had a great game in goal pulled of a few good saves which kept the score down. They hadnt finished yet and they scored what can only be described as one of our most disappointing goals we have conceded in a very long time. They had a free kick from the left but chaotic organisation and lack of communication saw the ball sail easily past everyone into the net. This summed up our day and the final whistle was a welcome sound today.
Final score United 0 Appleby 6
The difference between the top of division 1 and division 3 was starkly exposed today but we should keep our heads up high and learn from this. We went into these competitions last year for the experience and that is proving to be very valuable and sometimes like today they can be painful experiences too. Appleby didnt play great football but they knew where to be and what to do in every situation and we struggled to keep to our shape and mark up properly. So we go from our best ever result to one of our worst in 1 week but we are a good team and I am sure our team spirit and determination means we can get back to our old selves next weekend.
Like I said after the game, lads just forget it now and like we do each week look forward to the next challenge.
Man of the match:
As mentioned in the report Mitchell in goal had a great game and cant be held responsible for the final score but he was just outdone by one player.
Lorne Poss was immense today and he never gave up on chasing his man and getting vital tackles in, plus his link up play with Tucker looked the only likely source for an attack today. Well done Lorne top display.
Kendal United away v Windermere Senior Cup round one Saturday 6th October
We made the short journey through to Windermere on Saturday to play in the first round of the Senior Cup. With two divisions between us this was going to be a tough afternoon.
We started well and could have been in front in the first few minutes but we just couldnt find the target. The pace of the game was catching us out a little bit and the referee was pedantic to say the least. On the 15 minute mark we fell behind at a well worked corner 1.0 to Windermere. We had already been warned of their prowess on corners as Lorne Poss cleared the ball on the line and they were all very tall lads so it made it very difficult. Some 10 minutes later we got a deserved equaliser after a quality ball was played deep to the back post Jason Tucker rose superbly to put his header right into the corner and in off the post. 1.1.
It was now time to concentrate and at times we played some really good stuff but found Windermere to be very tough to break down. The referee was very erratic and seemed to be swayed by Windermere players shouts so that was by now causing much frustration. With only 10 minutes to go before half time we fell behind again and it was another corner routine that caught us out again. 2.1 Windermere. We battled well and had half chances before the break but we ended the half 2.1 down
Half time Windermere 2 United 1
It was important at half time that we kept our cool and stopped giving away corners at all costs. This we did well and looked likely to find an equaliser but it was proving to be a very tough battle in all areas of the pitch. Nathan Turner was superb at the back and won many headers alongside Rob Warwick, Ian Atkinson and Lorne. Good play down both wings was causing no end of problems and we soon got level again through Danny Poss. A good ball across the box was collected and buried into the corner past the diving keeper 2.2.
It was now game on and both side pushed and harried everywhere on the pitch so at times it wasnt pretty but it was effective. Windermere had a few good chances and Ian Mitchell in goal pulled off a great save as the ball was struck at him straight and hard so he did well to keep it out. We had good moments but the linesman seemed to flag every time we broke free and when we did get through we just couldnt find the required finish. The game was heading towards extra time which would have been a great achievement but the excitement wasnt over just yet. We managed to break away down the pitch and the extra man caused loads of problems and when the ball fell to Ashley Duffus he took his time to pick his spot and fire us in front with 3 minutes to go 3.2 United
What a celebration we had but the job wasnt done yet and that was emphasised when a superb shot from a Windermere player looked a goal all ends up was somehow saved by Mitchell in goal, some save it was. From the resulting corner we just tried to get the ball into there half and the referee seemed to take an eternity to blow his whistle. He soon did and the celebrations began as this was some achievement by the whole squad.
Final score Windermere 2 Kendal United 3
What a game and we thoroughly deserved our win today as we worked exceptionally hard in all areas. Windermere are in division 1 and they were at home so the odds were stacked against us but today we just wanted it more than them. They made us work very hard but even their manager conceded we deserved our win so that was satisfying. We have progressed into the 2nd round now and can expect another division 1 opponent as this is the senior cup so it will be a massive challenge to progress.
We face another tough game next week in the Benevolent Trophy as we have Appleby coming to us so for now lets enjoy the result but keep our heads as next week will be even tougher as they are 2nd in the top division.
Well played everyone you did yourselves and the club proud today.
Man of the match:
Everybody performed well today and it was very much a team effort but one player played extremely well thats Nathan Turner. He won header after header and tackled superbly, considering he was playing out of position it was a top display and he just gets better and better. Superb Nathan well done you were a rock today.
Kendal United versus Wetheriggs A Saturday 29th September
United hosted Wetheriggs A on Saturday and it was well known before the tie that they had a lot of experience. We started exactly to plan and hit them hard and didnt allow them to settle, we could have been in front after just 5 minutes!! We moved the ball really well and didnt give them a sniff of the ball, after 7 minutes we got our noses in front. Ash Duffus scored a thumping header from an in swinging corner 1.0 United.
Our football was really good and we looked so dangerous going forward so it wasnt long before we got a 2nd goal. Again Duffus picked up a through ball with the riggs defence all at sea then calmly rounded the keeper and put the ball into the empty net. 2.0 United
After the goal we moved the ball neatly but without the same precision and riggs got a bit more control in the midfield. We gave away a few silly free kicks that allowed riggs to put very good balls into our box. We got away with a couple and at times we rode our luck, equally saying that we looked solid at the back and were well organised. Good play down both wings never let riggs settle and both Tucker and Tempest caused them lots of problems. Tucker will feel unlucky not to be on the score sheet but his shot just went past the post.
Half time United 2 Wetheriggs 0
Although we had played well in the first 20 minutes we had started to allow them into the game so it was important we got going fast again.
The game was even for long periods and at times there experienced midfield used the ball well but found a sturdy united defence hard to beat. Curt Davies who was making his debut looked solid in goal and he looks like another valuable asset. Our play was just at times too good for riggs and just after the hour mark Duffus completed another great hat trick following a defence cutting ball from Tucker, Ash fired easily past the keeper to make it 7 goals in 2 games for him. We made a series of substitutions and our recent signing Luke Finch looked a certainty to score for the 2nd week running but he just couldnt make a connection from another quality ball from Tucker. A mix up at the back saw Davies in goal pull off a fabulous save from his own defender by pushing the ball over the bar. Finch got his reward for good movement off the ball and took a far harder chance than previously; he got the ball in the box and moved into a good position to fire home 4.0 to United. After that we should have had a couple more goals but it was a job well done and we looked very good for our clean sheet and 3 points.
Full time United 4 Wetheriggs 0
We beat a very experienced team today as Wetheriggs use the feeder system really well and I mean that as a compliment to them. They send the better younger players to the top and allow the senior players to finish there careers a couple of levels down and that presented us with a tough but enjoyable game. We knocked the ball about really well in stages and looked like scoring at will, but as the game went on we realised it was going to be a patience game. The most pleasing aspect was another clean sheet (5 in 8 games now) defensively the back four were excellent at times plus the fact that we look like scoring a few every week. Well played lads a solid 3 points and a good performance today.
Man of the match:
Ash Duffus scored another impressive hat trick today and his contribution to the team is massive. He works all game and its near impossible to get the ball off him and those legs of his are everywhere. Three great goals today and thats a return of 11 goals in 8 games which is a very impressive return so far. A top young player is our Ashley and he is starting to live up to the potential I know that he has, top game Ash well done!!
Kendal united versus Penrith Rangers reserves Saturday September 22nd
United made the journey up to French fields on Saturday in what always promises to be a tricky place to play. There was good news before the game and that was the excellent recovery of Nathan Wooff who should be out of cast next week!! Oli Park looks like being a little longer but its hoped he wont be far off. Also making the journey were our 2 new signings and a prospective signing. Its hoped they will settle into the club and become good team players.
So to the game, we didnt start well and fell behind after an amazing 40 seconds following a mix up and the goal shook us for a while. 1.0 Penrith
We got our game going slowly and it wasnt long before we got back on level terms through Ash Duffus. He collected a great ball down the left and drove towards the box and released a super looping shot that beat the keeper at his back post. 1.1
Soon after we went ahead through Dan Poss who was making a late run into the box and comfortably finished his chance making it 2.1 after 20 minutes. A super free kick from Poss was headed onto the bar by Duffus and it seemed we were going to score at anytime. Frustratingly we tried to walk the ball home or shoot from too far out to extend our lead before half time even though we had control of the game.
Half time United 2 Penrith 1
We needed to be more clinical with our chances and we set out looking to put the game to bed early. After another period of play were we didnt look comfortable we strode away in the game, excellent wing work by Tucker and the ever reliable Lorne Poss, the latter delivered an inch perfect ball for Duffus to slot home 3.1 United.
By now we controlled the game and 10 minutes later Duffus completed his hat trick with another powerful finish. 4.1
Our play wasnt cohesive and that may sound harsh after being 4 goals up but at times we looked to walk it in and not make good decisions. Thats said we did enough and our new signing Luke Finch Got himself into a great position to score on his debut. 5.1 To United
Chance after chance came and although the excellent Duffus got a 4th goal it could have been double figures today. Ash finished well and a powerful shot ricocheted in off the bar. He even had time to hit the post and Captain Warwick drove from the back and could have got a goal!!
Final score United 6 Rangers 2
Today was a great three points and 6 goals away from home which is superb, the only glimmer of disappointment was we can play better and need to learn to play our game more and relax and play the quick ball.
Wetheriggs will present us with an experienced team and its crucial we play one or two touch football and make space.
Man of the match:
Although not mentioned in the above report one player never stopped working today and that was Sam Tempest. His desire to play well and give his all for the team has been evident from the day he joined us and today he was superb. He runs tirelessly and plays some intelligent stuff and I am sure the boys will agree he has been a massive addition to our team. Top game Sam well done
Kendal United versus Burneside Reserves Saturday 15th September
United entertained Burneside today looking to build on last weeks result, as expected Burneside started strongly, they looked like a team full of experienced players so it wasnt going to be easy. We started a bit slow and the ball was in the air a bit too much so we needed to get it down and play our game. After we had weathered the early storm we started to play some really good stuff and move the ball about really well. Jason Tucker on the right looked dangerous and his good work created space for other players to run into, that said we all looked in the mood and on the 15 minute mark we scored through Ashley Duffus who rose really well to head a corner deep into the bottom corner making it 1.0
We continued to move the ball about well and following a mix up at the back the ball fell to Tucker some 25 yards out who lifted the ball superbly over the keeper making it 2.0 after 25 minutes. Some of our play was really good to watch and at times we cut Burneside apart at will, one and two touch play was all over the pitch and we looked very good in all areas.
Craig Roberts who recently signed was having a very good game and was the perfect foil for Duffus and made lots of good moves off the ball. We looked good in all areas and our keeper was now pretty much a spectator as we defended really well. Following good play across the field Dan Poss headed towards the penalty area and was brought down so we were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Mr Ice Cool Ali Wilson who slotted the ball home making it 3.0
Burneside had a bit of joy on the ball but never tested us and we looked comfortable going in at half time.
Half time united 3 Burneside 0
The plan was to stay calm and continue our good football although we expected a backlash from our opponents. We didnt quite get going to start with and Burneside probed away without any real danger and slowly we got back into our rhythm. Mark Barnes-Davis was playing very well and his runs with the ball made Burneside turn back towards their own goal. We looked to play the ball into feet and at times our play was a joy to watch, our work rate was very high and Burneside couldnt live with that. Good chances came and went but we just couldnt finish off the moves with goals. Sam Tempest who was again excellent fired in a superb shot from the left that ricochet off the post to Tucker who tucked it away only to be judged offside. If that shot from Sam had gone in it would have been a goal of the season contender even this early on!!!
We always looked comfortable and even when Burneside got a corner we defended superbly and didnt look like conceding today. Chances fell to a few players and perhaps we should have scored more but it just wouldnt go in. Superb driven balls from Nathan Turner at the back really caused Burneside no end of problems and it is so good to see Turner enjoy his football at United. An error at the back presented the Burneside striker with a golden opportunity but he couldnt keep his shot down and we escaped. The 2nd half didnt live up to the excitements of the first half but it was a job well done and in the end a very comfortable win for united.
Full time united 3 Burneside 0
Today was a really good advert for local football and Kendal United, as we played some great stuff at times and anyone who watched will agree.
We reduced what I feel is a very good side to 1 effort on goal so for that the lads deserve a massive pat on the back. Today we recorded our 4th clean sheet in 6 games which is superb in our new division.
As with last year we are the team to beat and we need to be aware of that in future games as we now sit top by 5 points.
Well done lads I was very proud as the coach today as im sure was Simon and the people supporting United. Everyone played well and if your names doesnt appear on this report dont worry I know you all played well and so did the people watching.
Man of the match:
Today we saw a return to form of Jason Tucker and he was sublime to watch, I know how good Jason is and anyone who watched today saw that.
His running off the ball and intelligent passing made life very uneasy for Burneside and at times he tore them apart. Hopefully he can maintain this form and live up to the potential I think he has and goes on and get better and better.
Well done Tuck you were superb.
Kendal United Vs Appleby Reserves 8th September 2007
Kendal had to make a few changes to personnel and positions due to the injuries sustained midweek to both our central midfielders. This saw Lorne Poss. return to right back Mark Davies come into midfield, Danny Poss. drop back to midfield and graham Archer return upfront. We knew Appleby would be a good outfit and would play much the same football as us so we needed to be stronger quicker and more intelligent in all areas of the park. The feeling before the match was that the boys had let themselves down midweek and were determined to make amends today.
The game started quickly as expected and the unfamiliar line up did not come into the equation the back line were solid the midfield of Poss and Barnes-Davis were winning everything with the wingers Tempest and Tucker making good space and Archer and Duffus making a nuisance of themselves up front. The game progressed with each team creating good chance but neither could hit the target although Kendal were dominating in midfield. Appleby changed things around to push their wingers further up onto our full backs to create some confusion for our centre halves this was thwarted with Tempests intelligence and energy to support down the left leaving Turner to use his ariel ability to support the centre backs allowing Wilson to be a free man and stop any advancing Appleby players. Although the game was played at a high pace and many chances were made none really tested either keeper finishing at half time with no goals.
Half Time 0-0
The half time team talk was difficult as every player was playing so well so the emphasis was to stay focused, patient and to use our free kicks with more intelligence using Warwick as a decoy to exploit the space being left in the middle. The second half went very much as the first with a high pace and many chances going amiss by both teams although Kendal slowly but surely were starting to dominate. Our new signing Craig Roberts came on for a tiring Duffus to try and confuse the Appleby team into making a mistake as everything by both sides was becoming very predictable. Roberts got a knock soon after coming on and as anybody would took a while to get into the game but when he did we started to run the back four of Appleby ragged. Appleby then changed to only three at the back and pushed another up front to try and change things and win the game. Soon after Kendal got caught at the back and Warwick pulled of a stunning tackle to stop Appleby in their tracks. From the resulting corner Appleby had a sure goal brilliantly saved by Mitchell in goal which was even better considering it was the first real save he had to make. From the resulting corner Kendal broke free well but Archer was brought down callously just outside the area by the Appleby keeper yet only got a talking to from the ref. The next few minutes were the most amazing bizarre and exhausting I have ever been involved with in football. Andy Johnson had now come off the bench for the excellent Lorne as a third striker creating confusion in the Appleby ranks. This worked well and allowed Roberts the space he needed to work well with Tucker in creating chance after chance. By having three up front Appleby had to pull men back which allowed Kendal to pile on the pressure with some great link up play Tucker and Roberts opened up the Appleby back four and played a perfect ball into the path of Archer at the back post to make it one nil after 91 mins. Or so we thought after celebrating and returning to kick off again the Linesman called the ref over and the ref changed his mind not for the first time in the game and gave Appleby a free kick for offside. Then the impressive Tucker and Roberts linked up for Johnson to release an unstoppable shot into the top corner after 94 mins. 1-0 to Kendal. The whistle seemed to take an eternity to blow but Warwick closed the back door well with his ever increasing intelligence and understanding of what to do on the pitch to influence the team as any great captain should do.
Final Score 1-0 to Kendal United.
This was a massive rollercoaster but excellent performance by everyone in the team you really did yourselves proud today and proved to yourselves and everyone else how well you can play. This was the perfect antidote to the midweek game and the games will not be as thick and fast as the beginning of the season now with only weekend games planned for the next few weeks.
Man of the match
Today everyone did as I asked and played with skill, passion and never allowing the opposition any time on the ball. As I can not give the award to everyone I thought the one person that deserved it the most for his relentless chasing of lost causes and menacing of the back four creating chances for others Archer deserves it. This is his last game before going back to Uni and we all wish you the best and will see you at Christmas well done Archer you will be missed.
Well done everyone and thanks for everyones support that was there today. This was my first game in charge where points were at stake and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Simon
Kendal United versus Ambleside Reserves away Wednesday September 5th
We travelled to Ambleside on Wednesday night knowing we had to play well to gain anything from the game. With a full squad available changes were made, the pitch looked terrible and really bumpy but thats local football.
We didn’t start too well and allowed them to shut us down and stop us having time on the ball. We did have a great effort from Danny Poss well saved after he ran onto a good ball but the keeper was up to the task. Ambleside made it really hard for us to keep the ball and the next 10 minutes were to change the course of the game. They scored a goal after again being allowed to win the ball and a flashed pass across the box was buried past Ian Mitchell in goal. 1 .0 Ambleside.
Soon after the goal Olly Park night came to an end as he had a reoccurrence of an old injury and it was obvious he couldnt continue. Graeme Archer came on and as in the previous games was a real livewire, he brought the scores back level with a fine effort from a way out on the left crept in at the far post. Archer has deserved to start every game but as he knows we are building for when he returns to university and has reacted superbly. 1.1.
We just didnt settle and seemed to keen on either arguing with each other or the referee. This wasnt like us and our game wasnt very good and we allowed them to dominate the play. The deep ball to our back post was tying us up in knots and we just didnt seem to know how to handle them. A mere 10 minutes after we lost Parky there was a serious knock taken by Nathan Wooff, you could tell he was in real agony. Turns out on inspection he had dislocated his ankle and as you can imagine that is exceptionally painful. Luckily for us we have a have a nurse watching the game and a big thank you to Mrs Tempest and Krista for looking after Nathan.
So that made us feel even flatter and you could tell it had affected our game so a horrible night just got worse. A reshuffle was made but we just didnt get going and at times we made a real mess of basic things.
Half time Ambleside 1 United 1
The half time team talk was a vociferous affair and the manager let the players know about his thoughts on the arguing. So with a plan for the 2nd half sorted we knew we had to start well. In fits and starts we did make chances but allowed them so much room. We fell behind again and to be honest we deserved to be behind as we just didnt seem at the races tonight. 2.1
It was a messy game and both teams struggled to play in the long grass and bumps. They created good chances and we had a couple of half chances, they managed to score another loosely defended ball to be put away making it 3.1 to Ambleside.
This now looked like a game we just couldnt get back into, even with 20 minutes to go it looked unlikely we were going to take points home tonight. We got in good positions in the last 10 minutes but poor decisions meant we couldnt test the keeper. They kept going and created a disturbing amount of chances but found an in form Ian Mitchell in goal to thwart them. Danny Poss got a head knock and it really wasnt our night as he got quite a thump.
Poss saw a great effort come back off the bar and it looked in all the way but clipped the bar and went over.
Final score Ambleside 3 United 1
We didnt play well tonight and everybody knows that but the arguing and moaning was just ridiculous and we need to remember to stick together. The injuries affected us tonight in lots of ways and I dont blame the players for not wanting to tackle hard but our work rate was low.
That was our fourth game in 11 days and that played apart but Ambleside thoroughly deserved their win and did a good job on us.
We will need to work a lot harder on Saturday plus calm down and play a bit more with our heads. The injury news isnt good either; Wooffy is now in cast and will be for several weeks the only hope is he hasnt torn his ligaments too badly. We wish Nathan a speedy recovery and I visited him today and he is in good spirits. Im sure all the lads and people in the club who know him wish him well. Adding Nathan being out to Parky looking doubtful we will need to adapt and work as a team even more.
Man of the match:
Our keeper pulled off some fine saves today and his shot stopping is excellent. Towards the end of the game he was left exposed but each time he got into good positions. Ian will agree we have things to work on but tonight he was superb. Well done Ian you had a great game.
KENDAL UNITED V CARVETII RESERVES SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
United entertained Carvetii Reserves on Saturday, after such a good result midweek it was hoped our good form would continue. We had a few players missing so we began the day with only 12 players.
We started slowly and didnt manage to get a grip on the ball; Carvetii played a high ball game and looked to stop us from settling and playing our natural game. We had a great effort from Danny Poss touched onto the bar and Ashley Duffus saw a header well saved by the keeper. This was masking the fact that we werent playing well and at times we were rushing the play so much we gave the ball straight back to them. Against the run of play we scored with a fine back post header from Sam Tempest who is proving to be an excellent signing. 1.0 United.
We didnt get much better and allowed the Carvetii forward to control and turn in the box which he did well and the scores were now level 1.1.
The first half was not good viewing and at half time we needed to regroup.
Half time
United 1 Carvetii 1
We had to improve and slow the play down and use the wingers more so that was our 2nd half plan.
We looked a bit better after the break but the introduction of Graeme Archer changed the game. Good use of the ball down both flanks by Nathan Turner and Mark Davis saw us open up Carvetii. It didnt take Archer long to find the net and what a goal it was, he turned in from the right and fired a cracking shot right into the top corner with his left foot.
United 2 Carvetii 1
We now looked in complete control and the centre halfs of Carvetii were now very uncomfortable, soon after Archer got a 2nd with an effort form much closer.
United 3 Carvetii 1
The players who had played so well for Carvetii in the first half couldnt live with our use of the ball and now it was on the deck we looked good. Turner produced some excellent probing balls and Danny Poss now in midfield helped Nathan Wooff control the midfield. Better finishing should have put us further ahead but after our 1st half performance we were happy to be ahead. Carvetti were by no means out of it and they kept probing but with no real penetration.
The game looked comfortable but poor defending from a corner allowed Carvetii a 2nd goal.
United 3 Carvetii 2
This made for a nervous last few minutes and of course Carvetii bombed us with high balls and a couple of good corners. We held out and the final whistle was much welcomed by all at United.
Final score United 3 Carvetii 2
This was a strange game and we didnt get going until an hour had been played but overall a good 3 points. Once we stopped hitting the ball so hard and got it down there looked only one winner. That said Carvetii are a good side and will cause many teams problems this season. We must not fall asleep near the end of games as this division will be tight so concentration is required for the full 90 minutes.
So this game completed our first week in division 3 and we can be quietly pleased with our efforts.
Played 3 won 3 so a good 9 points banked.
We will need to play better against Ambleside on Wednesday as I expect them to be strong this season.
Next games:
Away versus Ambleside reserves Wednesday night kick off 6.15
Saturday home versus Appleby kick off 2.30.
Man of the match:
Today two players played really well and they were Uniteds full backs. Mark Davis and Nathan Turner were both superb and worked hard to support attacks. So rather than choose one player I have decided to split the man of the match award and give it to them both. Well done you two you both were superb.
Kendal United versus Shap reserves Tuesday 28th August
United travelled to our bogey team of the last few years tonight looking to break that hold. With a plan to keep our cool and try to play football we got off to a good start, of course Shap presented us with problems and from corners they are particularly dangerous. We allowed the ball to be in the air too much and once we got a grip on our passing we looked good. Oliver Park and Nathan Wooff started to control the midfield and they were winning vital tackles. Equally we were strong in defence with Captain Rob Warwick leading the troops well. And tonight up front we saw the beginning of something very special as young Ash Duffus was having a fine game, him and Danny Poss were making great runs as was Sam Tempest. Our final ball and finishing was not quite in gear but by now we had started to build our attacks like last season. Patient play saw both Duffus and Poss go close with fine efforts. Just before half time we got the break we deserved, after good play down the right and excellent battling in the box the loose ball fell to Tempest who fired in making it 1.0 with 5 minutes to go before half time. Shap as expected rallied but we looked good for our lead at half time.
Shap 0 United 1
We knew what to expect after the break and yes Shap pushed us back but we handled it well and continued to cause them lots of problems with our excellent football. The game was getting tighter by the minute but we matched them all over the park and tried to open them up to get a second goal. Perhaps with a better final ball or decision we could have gone further ahead. As with the first half we kept going down the wings and made sure we got a bit of the tackle in the middle. Ali Wilson at the back has ice running through his veins as whenever it got tight he always kept calm. And thats not taking anything from anyone else but Ali again played really well under pressure. Our live wire down the left was Tempest who just kept attacking his man and pushing Shap back. He was been given the space by the excellent Duffus who never gave them a second to settle. The final 10 minutes arrived and we hadnt got that vital 2nd goal so it was going to be backs to the wall. Everybody dug and all 3 subs on the night now had vital roles to play. We defended like men and it was nearly heartbreak as a cracking shot from Shap looked destined for the corner but our luck held out. In the last couple of minutes we could have finished it all off but a nail biter finish it was to be. We survived after defending with everything we had.
A much deserved 3 points had been bagged.
Final score Shap 0 United 1
It was a very tight game as expected but tonight we were superb in all areas, yes it wasnt always pretty but we battled tooth and nail all over the pitch.
So thats 2 games and a vital 6 points have been bagged with us scoring 5 and not conceding any, a top start lads but we have a long season ahead so lets enjoy tonight and think about Saturday.
Congratulations to our new keeper Ian Mitchell who has played well in all 3 games hes played in.
Man of the match:
Tonight everyone played well but young Ash Duffus was awesome and what a talent he is. He worked hard off the ball and never stopped running the whole 90 minutes. Unselfish and hard work for the team really shined through today and he was the much deserved man of the match.
Well done Ash superb game.
Saturday August 25th Kendal United versus Ullswater United
We stared our new season in a kit kindly sponsored by Kendal college and the lads were presented by the manager with the Merit Award from the previous season.
United entertained Ullswater on Saturday knowing it was going to be a tight game as they had come down from division 2 the previous season. We started well and a good follow up from young Ashley Duffus saw us take the lead with only 4 minutes gone. The keeper spilled the ball and he was on hand to take it past him and finish easily. We looked comfortable and Ullswater rarely threatened our goal, when they did get close the came up against a well organised defence lead by Rob Warwick.
We didnt really get going and at times we were trying too hard in attack causing us to make poor decisions. Good work from Mark Barnes-Davis allowed us to probe down the right and although some of our final balls were not very good we pinned Ullswater back. They managed a shot in the first half but this was saved well by our new keeper Ian Mitchell.
Although we were comfortable our own game didnt flow as Ullswater broke the game up well. On the half hour mark we went further ahead as Danny Poss produced a great finish from close in making it 2.0 to United. Soon after Graeme Archer made it more comfortable as he took on the keeper twice and tucked the ball away from close range making the score at half time very comfortable.
Half time United 3 Ullswater 0
We looked in the 2nd half to up our game and try to be more cohesive and make our passes count more.
This didnt really happen but equally Ullswater presented us with very little to worry about. We got better as the half went on and it gave us chance to let all 3 subs have a good part of the game before the tougher fixtures come our way. Chances came and went but we lacked the killer touch until 75 minutes when Duffus made it 4 nil with a good finish inside the box. A solid defence meant we were rarely troubled and we should and could have had more goals before the end.
That said Ullswater will present teams with problems and maybe after such a tough pre-season this game was a little anti climax.
Final score Kendal united 4 Ullswater 0
A fantastic start to our new season in the 3rd division and a welcome 3 points tucked away. We will need to be more fluid as we go on and as early as Tuesday night we will need to improve as we face Shap away.
Again as last year the lads have shown a fantastic attitude to working hard and this will stand us in good stead.
Man of the match:
A truly superb captains performance from Rob Warwick led the boys to a comfortable first day of the season win. He is slowly learning how to be a good captain and today he was superb and now understands the things we are trying to get him to do. Excellent use of the ball and encouraging words saw him lead by example. Well done Rob you were an inspiration to your team mates.
Kendal United Pre-season 2007/8
United started their pre-season campaign against the managers old team and recorded the following results:
Braithwaite 2 Kendal United 4
Kendal United 1 Penrith United under-19s 4
Kendal United 2 Keswick 4
Kendal United 4 Morecambe Westgate 1
Kendal United 1 Kendal County 4
Although we lost 3 of the 5 games the opposition this year was hand picked to ensure a really tough pre-season in preparation for our campaign in the 3rd division. All the teams played apart from Braithwaite were two divisions above us so the results were actually very good.
We have signed 5 new players and they are:
Oliver Park - Milnthorpe Corinthians
Sam tempest
Ian Atkinson - Kendal Celtic
Ashley Duffus
Ian Mitchell
We have lost 4 players
Paul Rutland - due to family commitments
James Scott - work commitments
Oliver Davies - relocation to Keswick
Andrew thoburn - re location to Workington
We thank the players who have moved on and welcome the new lads to our club.
This years club captain is Rob Warwick and vice captain is Jason Tucker.
Again as in previous seasons we have only lost players due to a change in circumstances.
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