Cleator Moor Celtic lost the Cumbrian derby with Holker Old Boys after a dramatic finish to the contest.
Callum Birdsall scored in the 87th minute to give the Hoops hope but they couldn’t come up with an equaliser in the time that remained.
It had been a bitty performance by Celtic, second-best for long periods but at times looking capable of squeezing something from the game.
Manager Martin Mahone said: “This weekend was always going to be tricky for us but I’m pleased to be putting a line under it and as far as I’m concerned it’s a reset for the season from Saturday when we entertain South Liverpool.”
The win lifted Holker into fifth place in the table, just three points behind the leaders Golcar. On Saturday they travel for a key game to Chadderton who are in sixth and three points behind them.
After a goalless first-half Holker had taken the lead on 57 minutes through Gareth Smith and doubled their lead later in the half through Joe Amison.
Birdsall popped up with a well-taken goal for Celtic but it was a case of too little too late as Holker held on for a 2-1 win.