Cleator Moor Celtic were denied another notch on their unbeaten run ahead of a glamour game with Bury AFC.
A three-match run had carried Celtic out of the relegation zone in the North West Counties Division One North table.
That is still the case but a 3-2 defeat at Ashton Town cost them a couple of places in the congested lower half of the division.
“We were looking for a good result to keep our run going before we take on Bury,” said manager Martin Mahone.
Unfortunately for Celtic, they had goalkeeper Craig Devine sent off and without a second keeper on the bench key defender Jordan Little took over in goal.
Little joined permanently after signing the season on loan from Workington Reds and has been outstanding.
Celtic had taken the lead through Jack Hunter when he headed home a Tom Mahone free kick after 36 minutes.
They then had Devine red-carded and the hosts equalised on 50 minutes through Bradley Williams.
The 10 men hit back, however, and regained the lead on 65 minutes when Callum Birdsall netted from another Mahone free kick.
But in a hectic finale, Ashton scored twice in the last ten minutes to win the game – both from corners.
Alex Noonan (83) and Thomas McNamara (85) spoiled Celtic’s recent run.
“Jordan made three or four good saves – all with his feet, but we were undone from corners.
“It was a double whammy for us because Jordan isn’t a goalkeeper and we missed him in defence,” said Mahone.
Celtic’s game with Bury AFC is being played on Sunday, which might affect availabilities.
“They share with Radcliffe Borough who take preference and have a cup game on Saturday. It means Bury have to play us on the Sunday which isn’t ideal,” said Mahone.
The congested nature of the table is clear from the latest standings which show Chadderton in seventh on 28 points and Celtic on 20 who are 16th in the League.
