Carlisle City are now fifth in Division Two of the Northern League with the possibility of finishing the season even higher.
A 4-2 home win over Chester-le-Street Town continued their climb to the play-offs and they have enough games in hand to go second if they can win them.
Town had won 9-0 at Durham City in midweek, which ended a previous nine-game losing streak, but they were undone by City after only six minutes.
A Wilson clearance failed to reach waist height but struck Atkinson, who did remarkably well to control the ball before lobbing the keeper from 25 yards out.
The scores were levelled on 18 minutes after something of a defensive disaster for City.
Ward broke well down the left and Townsley probably left his line too slowly, allowing the Town forward to slide the ball past him. Allison had ample time to clear but got his feet mixed up on the goal line, which allowed Anderson a simple finish from a few yards out.
However, within two minutes, City restored their lead as Atkinson curled in a beautiful free-kick from 25 yards, giving Wilson no chance. It was also a landmark league goal – City’s 100th of the season.
Town were always looking dangerous on the break and a clever free-kick on 25 minutes saw Ward shoot just wide. There was more danger for City as Olsen had to be alert to clear Colling’s cross.
City were close to a third on 39 minutes as a right-wing cross was almost turned into his own net by Howey. The resulting corner was fired wide by Bowman.
It was injury-time when City made it 3-1 and a hat-trick for Atkinson as he struck a fine shot past Wilson.
As the second half progressed, Town began to dominate possession and a free-kick in the 55th minute from Armin was just wide.
Home keeper Townsley was the busiest player on the park at this stage and he saved well from Howey’s header on 62 minutes.
City were still creating a few chances and Wilson saved well from Irving before Bowman fired wide from the next corner.
Then Atkinson, who was enjoying a fine game, delivered another excellent cross that was cleared by the visiting defence.
On 65 minutes, Townsley was in action again as he foiled Ward at close range.
Townsley really excelled himself when he produced a fine double-save in the 76th minute to again deny Ward, before also doing well from the following corner.
In the 80th minute, Akal fired over as Town still pressed forward and they won two corners in quick succession.
The goal that Town had been threatening finally arrived in the 89th minute when Ward shot past Townsley. But City had the final word as Town pushed upfield in injury time, the hosts broke clear through Atkinson and he did well to wait for the supporting Simpson who finished.
