BRIGHOUSE Town, despite creating 14 clear cut chances to score and arguably playing their best football of the season since the pre-season friendlies, went out of the FA Trophy at in form Kendal Town in the second qualifying round.
It didn’t help that they lost their skipper and kingpin centre back Kurt Harris in the 29th minute with a badly broken toe and having to rearrange the defence also missing injured former Rotherham Utd centre back Harrison Beeden (ankle).
Town had early chances as Alhassane Keita, Laurence Sorhaindo, Javelle Clarke and Edward Church attacked the home goalmouth but blocks and narrow misses prevented a score.
The Mintcakes took the lead in the 34th minute with the only goal of the game when Emil Jaaskelainan dispossessed Sam Reed and then steered the ball wide of Town’s new goalkeeper loan signing from Manchester United, Jacob Carney.
Town heads did not go down and they played some superb football in the second period but could not get the net despite Kendal striker Joe Hodgson being sent off for a second caution.
Town also had another debutant in fullback Jake Kelly who has previously played for Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.
Lady Luck also deserted Town at Pickering Town on Tuesday night as they went down 1-0 to a 27th minute Harry Jessop goal.
It was a good performance from the visitors but nothing went for them after they settled down from an early onslaught the Pikes attack.
In the final 15 minutes Pickering keeper Charlie Andrew made three superb saves, two as he tipped over the bar and one right down at his near post.
Town introduced two new players in midfielders Daniel Racchi and William Shepherd who is on a month-long loan from Salford City. Town’s on-loan goalkeeper Jacob Carney from Manchester United looked every bit a Premier League player after his somewhat nervy outing at Kendal and was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet as he saved the original shot on goal for the winner and was beaten by a rebound into his net.
Brighouse Town Ladies were in home 2nd Round Qualifying. FA Cup action on the Sunday against Spennymoor United and came out 6-0 winners.
Their scorers were Ellie Dobson (2), Drew Greene, Ellie White, Danielle Whitham and Amy Woodruff.
In the next round on Sunday, November 1st (1.00 pm) they will entertain Merseyrail Ladies.
On Saturday’ Town men entertain Pontefract Collieries (3.00), with the game being sponsored by Rastrick Cricket Club’s Midweek team, the Spoofers, who play in the Huddersfield Evening League
