Cleator Moor Celtic missed a great opportunity to get more points on the board when they lost 2-1 at home to Atherton LR.
Manager Brian Dawson said: “We had enough chances to win the game three times over as goals change games.
“How we lost the game is beyond me but it just about sums us up at the moment to be honest. We have to refocus and go again next Saturday away to Daisy Hill.”
Celtic had started brightly but they failed to capitalise on two very good chances. It was against the run of play when Jack Lever scored direct from a corner to give the visitors the lead on 17 minutes.
Although Celtic continued to dominate the game they spurned several other opportunities before they doubled their lead on 27 minutes through Chad Whyte.
In the second half the hosts got back into it through a Darren Little penalty on 54 minutes but Atherton, to their credit, dug deep and defended well. They were able to run down the clock like experienced and organised teams do.
Celtic’s Cumbrian neighbours suffered a set-back to their play-off hopes when they lost at home 1-0 to leaders Pilkington.
A goal on 56 minutes from Scott Sephton settled the game and means Holker have dropped out of the play-off places.
