Penrith chairman Billy Williams admitted his nerves were shredded after his side’s relegation dog-fight with Billingham Town.
The Cumbrians were 3-0 up inside 20 minutes – yet needed a stoppage time goal to win it 4-3.
Williams said: “After we built that good lead early in the game, Billingham controlled it and when they pulled level I feared the worst.
“Fortunately we came up with the late winner and it was three precious points. We just had to win that game to give us some kind of chance of avoiding the drop.
“We didn’t play very well but we got the win, which is what you have to do.
“There’s another home game on Wednesday night against Whickham who drew 2-2 with North Shields on Saturday.
“We go to North Shields this Saturday and they are fighting for the League, so clearly we have two tough games coming up.
“I believe we have everybody available for Wednesday and if we can squeeze out another win it will give us some hope.”
One of the pleasing features of the win over Billingham was the contributions from two of the club’s Academy products.
Alfie Brunskill and Josh Padgett were given their chance in recent League Cup matches and did well enough to earn selection for the League clash.
After Luke Brown had given Penrith a fourth minute lead, young Brunskill added the second two minutes later.
Penrith thought they were in dreamland when Padgett made it 3-0 on 16 minutes – but then Billingham came back into it.
Dan Boyle made it 3-1 by half-time. Harry Close netted a 56th minute penalty and Alex Smith scored the equaliser in the 71st minute.
In the first minute of time added on Connor Shields came up with Penrith’s dramatic winner.
