Missed penalty costly for Avenue (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Downes effort saved from spot after rivals Kendal hit back

11:11pm Tuesday 25th August 2009 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Kendal Town 1, Bradford Park Avenue 1

Avenue maintained their unbeaten start to the season but had to settle for their second draw in four UniBond League games in the Premier Division at Kendal Town.

The Bradford side had striker Chris Hall to thank for their point as they spurned a second-half penalty following a foul on Simon Baldry and Aiden Savory shot high over when he could have netted a late winner.

It was the visitors’ first half and it was arguably overdue when they broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. The home defence got into all kinds of trouble and Hall did not need a second invitation.

Kendal reversed the domination after the interval and enjoyed the best of the second half but they could not draw level until the 75th minute.

Both sides had made substitutions by that point and Avenue’s left midfield was weakened. The Cumbrians exploited that route and Warren Beatie was on the end of a move to net Kendal’s equaliser.

The penalty was awarded minutes later but Steve Downes’ well-struck effort was palmed away by the home keeper.

Savory shot over the target late on but there was still time for Kendal to bounce back and Avenue keeper Steve Dickinson was forced into a very good save late on.

Avenue moved up a position to third despite the draw and Kendal are now in second place.