An injury hit Matlock thoroughly deserved to return home from the South Lakes with a point after a battling performance which saw their unbeaten run extended to seven games.
Kendal, chasing hard for a play off place and boosted by an excellent 4-1 win at FC United of Manchester three days earlier, were to provide Mark Atkins' troops with a stiff challenge, but through sheer hard work and determination, plus some neat skill at times, they passed the test with flying colours.
The visitors omitted the League's top scorer, Ross Hannah, who was only about 70% fit with a hamstring problem, and with Mark Haran serving a one match ban, there were two changes from the team which began the previous game against Worksop.
Dene Cropper and Nathan Joynes was the striking partnership while Kris Witcombe had a first full outing at right back with Adam Yates moving to a central defensive slot alongside James Lukic Hannah was a substitute alongside a welcome recall for Darren Cartwright with youngsters Josh Wain and Danny Gregory also making the trip. Several members of the starting line up were far from 100% fit.
Matlock could not have dreamed of a better start as a free kick inside the opening minute was hoisted into the box for Cropper to head down superbly and NATHAN JOYNES ran on to drill a low shot past goalkeeper David Newnes' outstretched left hand from eight yards.
The goal rocked Kendal who still harbour realistic aims of a play off spot. Matlock were industrious in midfield with both Steve Warne and Liam King again putting in great shifts in the centre. Home skipper Glenn Steel headed well over from a corner in the 5th minute, but Matlock defended brilliantly with Scott Brough keeping winger Carl Osman, brother of Everton's Leon Osman, quiet, while on the opposite flank. Witcombe was more than holding his own against the dual threat of Callum Warburton and Danny Wisdom.
When Gary Stopforth was booked for dissent in the 27th minute, Matlock might have had joy again from the free kick as a fine head across goal by Nathan Benger was just out of Cropper's radar with both Newnes and defender George Melling slipping.
Kendal hit back for Peter Wright to force Adam Sollitt, back to his best after his errors against Worksop, to expertly tip his fiercely hit twenty yarder over the bar before collecting Wright's attempt from the resulting corner.
Shortly afterwards Sollitt was well placed to save from Danny Wisdom who shot low after cutting in from the left. Yates then put in a magnificent block challenge as Alex Taylor pulled the trigger.
Joynes looked to have been fouled by Melling but the referee gave the free kick to Kendal and booked Joynes for alleged use of his arm.
Most of the pressure at this point was from Kendal, attacking down the Lakeland Radio Stadium slope, and with Matlock looking as if they had seen out the half, WISDOM equalised seconds before the whistle.
Kendal worked the ball sweetly across the Gladiators penalty box from right to left and Wisdom completed the move with a precise low drive into the corner from the edge of the box.
The home fans would now be expecting their team to go on and win the game, but Matlock had other ideas. Atkins and Haran were barking orders and words of encouragement from the touchline.
Early in the new half, Cropper threaded a well intended pass through for Algar but it was slightly too strong and Newnes was out quickly to nick the ball off the winger.
At the other end, Wright worked a nice one-two with Wisdom but Wright's shot lacked power and was straight at Sollitt. Cropper, working his socks off in attack, broke through and only a last ditch take by Newnes prevented him from probably regaining the lead.
Cartwright came on for Algar and worked the left flank superbly. A timely challenge in the Matlock penalty box stopped Taylor in his tracks before Lukic blocked superbly from Osman on the edge of the box. Cartwright then popped up in the Kendal area to cross well. The hosts cleared with difficulty before King played the ball back in and Melling hacked clear.
Sollitt kept the scores level with a cracking point blank close range save from Taylor in the 78th minute, but Kendal had luck on their side when Melling appeared to manhandle Cropper in their own penalty box, the penalty appeals being rejected. Newnes made another last ditch save from Cropper who then cut in to curl in a shot which might have found the top corner had Melling not headed desperately clear.
At the death Matlock earned a slice of luck as Osman's fifteen yard shot comprehensively beat Sollitt but thudded off his right hand post.
To lose the game, and lose it so late, would have been cruel on Matlock, who have taken giant strides forward this season.
MATLOCK TOWN: Adam Sollitt, Kristian Witcombe, Scott Brough, Liam King, Adam Yates, James Lukic, Nathan Benger, Steve Warne, Nathan Joynes, Dene Cropper, Ben Algar (Darren Cartwright 56). Subs not used: Ross Hannah, Josh Wain, Danny Gregory.
REFEREE: B Roberts--Leyland. ATTENDANCE: 233 STAR MAN: James Lukic.
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