Carlisle City’s form has deteriorated at the business end of the season and they slipped to another defeat, 2-0 at home to Horden CW.
Horden had been climbing the table over recent months on the back of a fine run of form.
The win carried them to seventh while City languish in 11th although they have played fewer games than anyone else in Division Two.
City did start brightly and Horden keeper Pickering was in action for the first time on four minutes but he comfortably saved Irving’s header.
It was soon apparent that Horden were capable of moving the ball quickly and accurately although they did struggle to create many chances.
Holt mussed the first clear chance for City on eight minutes as he shot wide when well-placed and a foul on Bradbury in the next minute saw Simpson’s free-kick headed by Kirkup but saved by Pickering.
Horden had not really threatened the home goal but an 18th-minute cross from Home-Jackson did fly across the six-yard box before going out.
In the 23rd minute, Wright won the first corner for Horden but this was headed wide by Hodgson.
There was controversy on 33 minutes as Irving seemed to be fouled in the penalty area by Home-Jackson, but the referee penalised the City forward.
Bradbury was the victim of many fouls during a goal-less first half and from one free-kick Longcake was well wide.
The game seemed to change as soon as the ball was kicked after the break, with Horden taking control.
Irving did shoot wide from 20 yards on 55 minutes but City were struggling for possession.
When Bowman sloppily conceded a corner on 62 minutes Townsley produced a fine save to deny Wright, before also catching the resulting corner.
Horden then went ahead on 64 minutes as Home-Jackson spectacularly lifted a shot over Townsley.
Olsen was then forced to concede another corner as Horden were in complete control of the game, and Kirkup prevented another certain goal as he cleared just in front of Maskell who was poised to score.
City were only delaying the inevitable second goal which arrived on 71 minutes as Townsley blocked a shot but the rebound was finished at close range by Maskell.
There was some late pressure from City with Bradbury’s free-kick deflected wide for a corner and then the same player firing over from 20 yards but Horden were deserving winners.
