`Readers of this column have objected to the poly-syllabic nature of its sentence construction, so this week we have a simple tale, simply told.

Following the desperately dismal display at Newbury, this could not have been more different, an heroic, impassioned, courageous and determined display, a feature made more remarkable by the fact that 15 of the 19 players were the same.

Indeed, the principal difference between the two games was the quality of the opposition: Henley were superior to Newbury in all departments by a gulf at which the league table only hints.

I thought Henley played some of the best football we have encountered in this league, or any other, which makes even more remarkable and creditable the enormous performance in defence which characterised the first half hour.

Time and again, under the most concerted pressure, the defensive organisation and power in the tackle were immense; the combined resolution under the cosh made a mockery of the marshmallow performance of the previous week.

Whilst it is invidious to single out individuals in what was, indisputably, a triumph of teamwork, the contributions of captain Adrian

Bateson and newcomer Dan Bowman were nothing short of inspired.

There is no doubt that this defensive fortitude enabled us to turn round still in touch for a second half of different character.

Without matching the visitors' creativity, I thought we dominated possession and initiative and went at the opponents with a ferocity, which masked

technical shortcomings, and entirely destroyed their composure.

At the death, the score which would have brought a draw, was not

looking unlikely.

It was Henley's first visit to Kendal, having been relegated from Division One last season, and looking set for an early return.

They discovered what many visitors over the years have encountered, even teams like Rotherham and Worcester on their way to greater things; that a

passionate Kendal display at Mint Bridge with the rousing support of the crowd is a match for any opposition.

The contribution of a vocal and supportive crowd should not be underestimated and I thought that Saturday showed what could be achieved when the players and supporters are manifestly on the same side.