Under-strength Cleator Moor Celtic gave North West Counties high fliers Golcar a mighty scare at Inglenorth Park.
Despite being without a number of senior players Celtic led, and were finally denied even a point by a goal eight minutes from the end.
As a result of that win, and Bury AFC having their game at Campion fogged off at half-time, Golcar went top of the Division One North table.
“It was a big effort and I told the lads at the end I was really proud of their performance.
“Golcar were a big, powerful side who have done well and their main rivals Bury AFC have brought players in from League clubs Fleetwood sand Huddersfield and obviously mean business.
“It looks as though it will be between Golcar and Bury for the title and in my opinion Bury are the better footballing side, but as always, time will tell,” said manager Martin Mahone.
Celtic had gone into the game without suspended duo Tom Mahone and Jay Wetherill, as well as three others Callum Birdsall, Jack Hunter and Jake Smith who were at a wedding.
“I think it showed again, especially after running them so close, that if we can get our strongest team out each week we can match the best of them,” said Mahone.
Daniel Naidole had given Golcar the lead after 12 minutes but three minutes later Ryan Hall, just back from injury, scored a well-taken equaliser.
Liam Johnston, one of the players brought in because of absences, scored to put Celtic in front on 31 minutes but Golcar equalised three minutes before the break.
The hosts gave as good as they got until the 82nd minute when Nick Crane fired home the winner.
Celtic resume their league programme with a home game on Monday, December 27 when they entertain Bacup Borough.
The visitors currently lie sixth in the table, some ten points better off than Celtic who are 15th, two points and two places above the drop zone.
