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.”