Kendall wants to fire Blues into play-offs

Second half goals from Darryn Stamp and Kendall at Whaddon Road gave the Blues a vital three points as Steve Housham’s men hardened their grip in the Blue Square North play-off places.

Tuesday evening’s victory, coupled with last Saturday’s win over Eastwood Town by the same scoreline, means Gainsborough are now level on points with fourth-placed FC Halifax and sit two points clear of Stalybridge Celtic, who head the chasing pack back in sixth.

Trinity host mid-table Colwyn Bay on the Northolme this Saturday knowing a win could lift them into fourth with only five games remaining this season.

And former Hull City trainee Kendall insists the Blues must concentrate on winning those games and not worry about the other sides around them.

He told the Standard: “A couple of results have gone our way and a couple have not but all we can do is keep winning and we’ll be in the mix.”

“We need to push on now and keep winning our home games. We aren’t looking too far ahead, we are focusing on one game at a time but hopefully we can put a bit of a run together because that’s two in a row we’ve won now.”

“We’ve got six games left to play and we want to finish as high as we can. The higher we finish, I think the final of the play-offs is at your home ground but at this point in the season we just want to be in the play-offs.”

Gainsborough made the 320-mile round trip to Gloucestershire looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat against the Tigers last November.

And after a tentative opening first period, the Blues went ahead four minutes into the second-half when Stamp put the finishing touches to a patient Trinity attack to give the visitors the lead.

The hosts rallied for an equaliser but any hopes they had of levelling the scores were dashed when Kendall and strike partner Stamp combined, and the former looped an effort over home custodian Mike Green with 20 minutes remaining.

“It’s always nice to score a goal but the more important thing is the result and not individual performances,” continued Kendall.

“It was a good through ball from Stampy to put me through and I just had to lob the ball over the keeper.”

“I always enjoy playing alongside Stampy, and that’s not to say I don’t like playing with Conns (Paul Connor) but Stampy seems to suit my style.”

“I think since he’s come back he’s been a big player for us and obviously his goal tonight set us on our way and it was a great ball to put me in for the second.”

Trinity’s leading marksman found himself out of the side for the trip to Vauxhall Motors the previous Saturday but hopes his goals can help Trinity’s final push for promotion.

He said: “Nobody likes to be left out, all of us like to be playing but the gaffer makes the decisions and I don’t choose the team.”

“If he leaves me out all I can do is come back, play well and score and that’s the most important thing. We all trust the gaffer, we know nobody is guaranteed a place in the team and I have no qualms if he leaves me out, I trust him.”

“I’m on 15 (goals for the season) and I’d like to be on more but I think we all know I’ve had a bit of a troubling time with injuries this season and that’s not making any excuses.”

“Missing ten or 11 games does hinder your momentum but hopefully I’ll be able to stay fit, get some more goals and hopefully reach 20 before the end of the season.”

Gloucester City: Carey, Harris, Green, Coupe, Hamblin, Bird, Lock (Lloyd 46) Mullings, Lewis (Mustoe 66) Wilson, Mann (Rose 30 YC).

Gainsborough Trinity: White, Roma, Sandwith, Waterfoll, Boyce, Clarke YC (Leary 81) D’Laryea, Yates, Kendall (Godden 75) Stamp (Connor 84) Holden. Subs: Mettam, Williams.

Goals: Stamp 55, Kendall 69.

Referee: Simon Knapp (Bristol).