First half goals from strike duo Peter Wright and Chris Thompson proved just enough to secure a welcome victory for Chorley at Parkside Road on Saturday.
Yet a late Ged Smith strike caused flutters and but for some determined late defending, the Magpies might have had to settle for a draw.
Wright opened the scoring on 12 minutes, firing home after a defence splitting John Bluck through ball.
While Kendal strikers Lee Ashcroft and Dave Foster struggled, further chances fell to Chorley's Chris McGrath, James Price, Wright and captain Jamie Vermiglio before a second goal on 27 minutes.
Vermiglio latched on to McGrath's diagonal ball, nutmegging his marker and finding Thompson who smashed home.
Smith set up a tense finale when he finished well after a Stuart Cliff delivery in the 88th minute, but the Magpies held on for three precious points.
Final score: Kendal 1 Chorley 2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article