Defeats for Holker Old Boys and Kendal United in Midweek Fixtures
Holker Old Boys suffered a 3-0 defeat away at Squires Gate, while Kendal United lost 2-0 at home to Carnforth Rangers during a difficult evening for two Cumbrian sides.
There was better news for Holker’s reserve team, which secured a convincing 3-0 victory over local rivals Askam United.
Squires Gate 3-0 Holker Old Boys
Holker Old Boys travelled to Squires Gate looking to build on their strong 3-0 home victory over Ashton Town.
The visitors competed well during the opening half despite playing on a particularly hard pitch. Holker also suffered two injury problems during the game, adding to the challenge facing joint managers Kevin Watkin and Dave Round.
The match appeared likely to remain goalless at half-time before a defensive mistake gave Squires Gate an opportunity in the 44th minute.
Jack Arrowsmith took advantage and scored to send the hosts into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Holker responded positively and enjoyed their strongest period during the opening 20 minutes of the second half. However, they were unable to turn their possession and pressure into an equalising goal.
Squires Gate then made the result safe during the closing stages.
Dean Ing doubled the home side’s advantage in the 79th minute before Finley Lynch added a third eight minutes later.
The defeat ended Holker’s run of two consecutive victories, which had included clean-sheet wins over Thornton Cleveleys and Ashton Town.
Holker remain third in the North West Counties League First Division North after winning four of their opening six league games.
Their next fixture is at home against Halewood Apollo on Saturday, 22 August.
Kendal United Beaten at Castle Drive
Kendal United also experienced a disappointing midweek result as Carnforth Rangers claimed a 2-0 victory at Castle Drive.
The home side had entered the match following a positive victory over Whitehaven at the weekend. However, Carnforth produced the stronger performance and established a two-goal advantage.
Kendal improved during the final 30 minutes but could not find a way back into the contest.
It was the club’s first defeat of the league season following an encouraging start to the new campaign.
Holker Reserves Win South Cumbrian Derby
Holker Old Boys Reserves provided the main positive result of the evening by beating Askam United 3-0.
All three goals were scored during the first half as Holker took control of the South Cumbrian derby before the break.
The result continued a positive spell for the reserve side following its recent 3-2 victory away at Croston Sports.
Millom Win at Cleator Moor
Elsewhere in the West Lancashire League Premier Division, Millom secured the local bragging rights with a 2-1 win away at Cleator Moor Celtic.
The result brought Millom three points from another Cumbrian derby and continued a difficult run for Cleator Moor.
The midweek fixtures produced mixed results across the county, with Holker Old Boys and Kendal United both looking to respond when the league programme continues this weekend.
