Holker Old Boys won the Cumbrian derby in the North West Counties First Division North.
They eventually overcame county rivals Cleator Moor Celtic 4-2 after an eventful first-half had produced five goals.
Celtic manager Brian Dawson admitted afterwards the difference had been the quality of Holker’s forwards.
He said: “We were good box to box but the Old Boys forward line was the difference. They are a good side and for large parts of the game we matched them which bodes well for our up- games.
“We’ve got to remain positive even though results aren’t going our way at the moment because performances are there.
“Up next for us on January 7 is Ashton away. They are bottom of the table so that’s a massive game for us.”
Celtic had actually taken the lead on 11 minutes through Luke Ivison but three goals in a 15 minute spell from Nathan Reid (2) and Jason Walker put Holker in charge.
The hosts were given a boost in the second minute of time added on when Dan Hill notched their second.
Holker restored their two goal advantage nine minutes into the second half through Tom Dawson and after that it was pretty even.
Celtic are next to bottom two points better off than Ashton Town but four points short of safety.
Holker, meanwhile are fifth in the final play-off slot with matches in hand of the four teams ahead of them.
