It raised hopes of another thriller to replicate the first meeting of these sides last weekend, but this time Kendal were in no mood to surrender their early advantage.

It took winger Dan Gray less than two minutes to put the Mintcakes in front when he headed in a deep free-kick. That drew an instant response from Northallerton, who took only seconds to equalise through Alistair Banks.

‘Keeper Preston Leech found centre-forward Hary Croft with a long ball and his headed knockdown was skilfully converted by his strike partner.

Kendal retook the lead after 12 minutes through Jamie Looker, Northallerton’s nemesis with two goals in the original tie. He again showed his finishing skills as he took advantage of a defensive mix-up.

The home side were well on top at this stage and effectively settled the tie six minutes later with a move started by ‘keeper Chris Cheetham. Josh Winder took the ball down the wing and crossed for James Bailey to score the third goal.

Northallerton were missing a couple of key men in defender Josh Allen and winger Jack Stapley. They re-organised defensively and Ben Dale again showed his versatility when filling in at centre-back.

Kendal demonstrated why they have been beaten only once in all competitions this season, playing a swift counter-attacking game that brought further opportunities for midfielders Niall Cowperthwaite and left-back Jack Milburn before the break.

Northallerton’s best chance to get back into the contest came two minutes after the restart when Banks set up a great chance for Tafari Nicholas, who scuffed his shot over the top from close range.

They had Leech to thank for a fantastic save from Milburn as Kendal continued to dominate. Croft headed wide from a free-kick five minutes from the end, and Kendal were able to see the game out as deserving victors.

Kendal Town: Cheetham, Brown, Milburn (Sowerby 80), Stanley, Flynn, Russell, Gray, Cowperthwaite (Lawton 90), Bailey, Winder, Looker.

Subs not used: Lee, Beckett, Kenny.

Northallerton Town: Leech, Tew, Haase, Darville, Harwood, Dale, Nicholas (Harker 57), Walker (Brown 83), Croft, Sayer, Banks (Kitching 64).

Subs not used: Brown, Crowle, Payette.

Man of the Match: Liam Darville (sponsored by Darville Academy of Irish Dancing).

Att: 381.