Penrith gave themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop by beating Northern League Division One leaders Consett.
It finished 2-1 to the Cumbrians after they had been unfortunate to concede a deflected goal on 24 minutes.
Chairman Billy Williams said: “It was a great day for the club with a really spirited team performance earning three deserved points.
“I don’t think anybody saw that coming against the top of the League side. They brought almost as many fans as we had at the game.
“Afterwards their manager, Andy Coyles, who used to manage us said we had deserved the win.
“That’s a big knock to their title hopes but it’s a massive boost to our survival hopes, although the other two teams in trouble got decent results.”
Northallerton won 1-0 at Newton Aycliffe while Bishop Auckland drew 0-0 at Newcastle Benfield.
“The season has come down to the last three games of the season and we still have a chance.
“We go to Ryhope on Tuesday night, are at West Auckland on Saturday and finish at home to Seaham Red Star,” said Williams.
Northallerton are at home to Whickham in mid-week; visit Consett on Saturday and finish-off at home to the already doomed Billingham Town.
Bishops entertain Seaham Red Star, go to Crook Town and finish off, after both Penrith and Northallerton have completed their fixtures, at home to Guisborough.
Penrith still have the toughest run-in but the way they saw—off Consett has given everyone hope.
After Scott Heslop’s deflected opener on 24 minutes Penrith had to wait until the 63rd minute for the equaliser from 17-year-old Alfie Brunskill.
Then two minutes from time, scenes of joy greeted the winner from Luke Brown.
“It was a great day for the club, and a great day for non-League football. The big travelling support from Consett were a credit to their club and made for a terrific atmosphere,” said Williams.
