THIS was not only a local derby, but also a vital match for both sides as only the four top clubs are guaranteed to keep their North West Feeder League status, as mid-table sides all have to go through the agony of the play-offs.

Inevitably it was a hard, physical game of end-to-end play and Kirkby Stephen struck first, only for Sarah Kay Martindale to quickly tap in an equaliser.

Kendal then dominated most of the first half and were rewarded when Kirsty Ormrod shot them into a 2-1 lead after an attack down the right.

From the re-start Kirkby went all out for the equaliser, but paid for it when a Kendal counter-attack saw Martindale score at the near post for 3-1.

Ormrod then scored her second from a tap in and although Kendal keeper Holly Price made some outstanding saves and Helen Hartley was outstanding in defence Kirkby's determination enabled them to pull the deficit back to 4-2.

Finally Vicky Jones put the issue beyond doubt when she lobbed the ball over the Kirkby keeper for a fifth goal to keep Kendal in that vital fourth place.