Lancaster City 2 Kendal Town 1

A SUPERB second half performance allowed Lancaster to come from behind and record their first pre-season victory.

Two more goals from striking sensation Chris Ward took his pre-season tally to an impressive six from five games.

There were positives all round the pitch for the Dolly Blues with Kenny Mayers making his return after injury and Neil Morton playing another strong 45 minute spell.

It was no surprise, though, to see Kendal take the lead in the 36th minute, with Lancaster failing to put pressure on visitors.

A slightly unusual strike gave Tony Hesketh's former side the lead against his current charges.

Lancaster were building up from defence and played a good crossfield ball from left to right but the referee's heel came between the ball and it's intended destination.

Kendal broke quickly and Lee O'Keefe threaded the ball through to ex- City player Scott Sugden who drilled the ball into the top right corner when one on one with on trial keeper Taylor.

City went in for half-time 1-0 down but the transformation at the interval was incredible.

Lancaster went from playing really poorly to what manager Tony Hesketh described as 'a whole 45 minutes of domination and pure football' and some of the best play he's seen in 18 months at Giant Axe.

A powerful shot from Ward in the 48th minute was somehow stopped on the line by Dave Burrow with Kevin Barnes unleashing the return, only to see it fly just over the bar.

But Burrow undid his good work in the 54th minute when he piled Ward over in the box and gave away a penalty.

Ward stepped up to take it and cooly slotted the ball into the right hand side of the net, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Another good move saw Kevin Barnes play the ball square, Paul Haddow stepping over the ball and John Fowler whacking a powerful drive towards goal which was well tipped over by the keeper.

But there was no stopping Ward's second goal in the 75th minute.

Good work from Haddow down the wing allowed him to advance, before pulling the ball back to Jimmy Graham, who whipped in a superb cross for Ward, who burst into the box and sidefooted the ball past the keeper.

Tony Hesketh praised his players after the match, saying: "It really was a game of two halves but in the second half they put in some good work down the flanks and the movement and the passing was just first class."

Now Lancaster face Leigh in the Challenge Shield on Friday, where both City's Brian Butler and Leigh's Jamie Udall will face their old clubs providing they are both fit and well.

City hope to sign an experienced keeper later this week, after a move for Southport custodian Billy Stewart fell through.

Stewart held talks with City on Tuesday night, but moved to Bamber Bridge instead after failing to agree personal terms.

Young triallist Danny Taylor played against Kendal, but boss Tony Hesketh says he is reluctant to commit himself to the former Bradford City man until he has seen more of him.