Ashcroft throws down gauntlet

Kendal Town boss Lee Ashcroft is throwing down the gauntlet to his players to push for starting places in Town’s opening league game on Saturday.

The Black and Whites take on Stafford Rangers at home in their Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division curtain-raiser and the manager told the Westmoreland Gazette he's looking to every member of his squad to force their way into contention.

Ashcroft also revealed that George Melling’s work commitments mean he will not be playing for Kendal this term. Melling was unavailable for midweek matches so he will play for West Lancashire Premier Division outfit Charnock Richard instead.

Mike Baron has also returned to Ambleside United citing regular first team football as his main reason for returning to the West Lancashire Division One oufit.

On Saturday Baron scored five goals for his new club in a 7-4 win over Millom. Kendal were beaten 2-1 at home by Conference North Workington on Saturday so Ashcroft will be looking forward to having the striking power of Gary McEvatt at his disposal for the coming campaign after securing the forward's services.