Cleator Moor Celtic completed their preparations for the new season with a 3-3 draw against Northern League visitors Crook Town.
The Hoops were never behind, held an early 2-0 lead, and were denied a victory by a last minute equaliser.
Celtic had made a positive start by going 2-0 up inside 25 minutes with goals from Callum Birdsall and Connor Hammell.
The visitors pulled one back by half-time and levelled on 55 minutes before a Crook defender turned a Marcus Atkinson cross past his own keeper on 70 minutes. They equalised again in the third minute of stoppage time.
New Celtic manager Brian Dawson said: “It was our first game at home and you’re always a little bit apprehensive especially when you don’t know much about the opposition.
“I thought we started the game well and found ourselves 2-0 up inside the first 25 minutes. Potentially it could have been four or five if we’d been more clinical in front of goal.
“Then of course goals change games. They got back into it which allowed them to get a foothold in the game.
“In the second half I thought they possibly played the conditions better but I was pleased with how we kept the ball at times.
“Looking at our squad, though, we had eight lads who played County League last season and two that played Under-16s football. It will obviously take a few games to get up to speed at this level and for them to understand they have to move the ball a bit quicker at times.
“It’s always hard to take when you concede a last minute equaliser but we will learn from our mistakes and overall we’re happy with the performance.”
