With a new manager expected to be appointed this week, Northallerton’s chief priority moves into sharp focus - survival in the Ebac Northern League First Division.

They have 12 matches left to achieve that aim, and every point is crucial if they are to escape the dogfight at the bottom. The chief regret from their first home match in six weeks was the poor defending that led to all three Kendal goals.

Caretaker manager Dion Raitt had to cope without three regulars in defender Jonny Haase, midfielder Jack Stapley and goalkeeper Jacob Crowle. Whitby Town's Joel Neale was signed on a dual registration to wear the ‘keeper’s jersey and forward Joe Martin came in at left-back.

Kendal took the lead in the 14th minute when a deep cross from Josh Winder was powered into the net by Jamie Looker.

A turning-point came in the 24th minute when Northallerton centre-forward Harry Croft produced a nimble turn on the edge of the box and smashed a shot against a post. An equaliser at that stage might have made it a very different contest.

Instead, Kendal doubled their lead five minutes later. A corner was poorly dealt with and James Bailey produced the telling header. On the stroke of half-time, the visitors made it three through a stroke of luck.

As the ball swung to the near post, Luca Sartini accidentally deflected it into his own net. Kendal’s grip on the points was secure at that point, but Northallerton made a real fight of it in the second period and came close to getting on the scoresheet.

Their best chance came after 67 minutes after teenage forward Jack Spears saw his shot cleared off the line. Sartini was brought down in the subsequent goalmouth scramble and Northallerton were awarded a penalty.

Substitute Joe Dixon took the kick and Kendal ‘keeper Chris Cheetham guessed correctly, diving low to his left to keep it out. Acting manager Raitt introduced all five substitutes and there were a couple of half-chances in the closing stages, Kenzie Harker going closest when shooting wide after a good dribble.

Kendal’s large group of travelling supporters celebrated at the final whistle after recording their third victory of the season over Northallerton, having knocked Ally out of the FA Cup and also winning their home league match. Meanwhile, the home side shift focus to a visit to West Auckland on Friday.

Northallerton Town: Neale, Cullen, Martin (Baker 70), Rudd, Allen, Coatsworth (J Kitching 75), Harker, Sartini, Croft (Dixon 58), Spears (Raitt 70), Short (Banks 75).

Kendal Town: Cheetham, Brown, Milburn (Stanley 89), Sowerby, Kenny, McGladdery (Crossley 82), Winder (Rigby 74), Russell, Bailey, Z Walker, Looker (Redmayne 82).