LANCASHIRE have a lead of 99 heading into day three of their County Championship Division Two match against Kent as they bid to go through the entire season unbeaten.

The division two champions bowled Kent out for 260 as Lancashire closed on 75-0 having made 284 in their first innings helped by Ashwell Prince’s 134.

It could have been an even better position for the Red Rose county but for former England opener Rob Key who made 134 for Kent.

Key helped his side recover from 7-3 after four overs of their reply.

Paul Horton and Luis Reece then took the Red Rose to 75-0 from 21 second innings overs, and the visiting lead to 99. Horton will resume unbeaten on 36 and Reece on 33.

New ball pair Kyle Jarvis on debut and Oliver Newby led the Lanacashire attack well with three wickets each while left-arm spinner Stephen Parry also claimed three victims. Jarvis was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 3-72 from 15 overs.

The visitors started the day on 269-8 and Prince fell without adding to his overnight score.

Kent made an awful start in reply as Jarvis struck before Newby claimed two quick wickets to leave the home side reeling.

But Key, who was dropped twice, anchored the recovery to leave the match still in the balance.