Last updated 19:51, Thursday, 04 September 2008

KESWICK West Cumbria kicked off their pre-season campaign with a narrow win against Wilmslow.

With just four weeks to the new season, it was a chance for joint captains Clive Swanston and Thomas Morgan to check out their new-look side.

Goals from James Fennell, debutante Rikki Barnes and two from Luke Heap sealed a 4-3 win.

Wilmslow dominated early proceedings and would have taken the lead but for fine goalkeeping by Peter Tolmie.

The central defensive partnership of James Fennell and Paul Randell also helped keep Wilmslow at bay.

However, their good work came undone when the hosts scored from close range midway through the first half.

The goal was a wake-up call for the Cumbrians, who fought their way back into the match. As half-time approached KWC were level.

Chris Armstrong played a neat one-two with Barnes, Armstrong’s shot was saved but Heap was on hand to slot home the rebound.

KWC took the lead a minute later as another slick move involving Barnes and Swanston was finished by Heap to give the Cumbrians a 2-1 lead at the break.

KWC made it 3-1 early in the second half as Fennell smashed home a smart short corner routine. Morgan had run the full length of the pitch, giving the ball to Rob Owen who won the dangerous set piece.

The Cumbrians then took their foot off the gas and two lapses in concentration allowed Wilmslow right back into the game. 3-3.

As the final whistle approached, KWC had one final attack. Darrell Morris picked up a loose ball in midfield and linked up well with left winger Nick Smith.

Smith fed the ball through to Armstrong, whose reverse-stick effort was chipped over the helpless goalkeeper by Barnes.