Cleator Moor Celtic manager Martin Mahone has praised his players after their brave effort against North West Counties League leaders Bury AFC.
“The lads were superb. They raised their game and were so close to a momentous win,” he said.
“Bury equalised in the 90th minute and there were many people who thought there had been a foul on our keeper leading to the goal.
“To come back from conceding the first goal to lead the league’s most talked-about team was an achievement in itself.
“I have no doubt they will be up there first or challenging at the end of the season. They have spent a bit of money and have a great fan base.
“Against us, they brought two coachloads of fans and lots of supporters in cars who were making a weekend of it in the Lakes. It boosted our crowd and that’s something they have done so far wherever they have played.
“Both their home games have attracted over 1,200 supporters so far and that makes a difference,” said Mahone.
But the Celtic manager already knows it will be tough to follow up that performance on Saturday when they travel to third-in-the-table Golcar United. The Huddersfield club are just a point behind Bury in the table and with a game in hand.
“We will be short of seven regulars who are going to a music festival over the weekend which is a shame after playing so well in the last two home games,” he said.
