Penrith picked up a valuable point at Newcastle Benfield from a 1-1 draw in the Northern League First Division.
It was especially merited as the Bonny Blues had to play for over an hour with 10 men.
Experienced defender Grant Davison was sent off for preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Penrith manager Darren Edmondson said: “He was playing out from the back, which we try and promote, when the ball bobbled. Their lad came through onto it and they more or less collided.
“But Grant was the central one of three defenders and the referee took the view he had no option but to send him off.
“It shows the way the team are progressing, though, that their organisation, work ethic and desire saw them through the remaining 60 minutes or so.
“Indeed in the second half we could have actually won the game but didn’t take our chances. We restricted them to one effort on goal, right at the end, but it could have been vital as Aaran Taylor had to make a very good save.”
Johnny Murray had given Penrith the lead after 24 minutes but shortly afterwards veteran Paul Brayson levelled for Benfield.
Davison was sent off after 33 minutes but Benfield couldn’t capitalise.
Penrith next go to Northallerton on Wednesday night in what Edmondson has declared to be “the most important match of the season.”
At the moment Penrith are 17th in the 20-strong League with 30 points from 30 games. Northallerton have 28 from 32 in 18th.
“We are going there to win the game but if we don’t get beat we stay two points ahead with two games in hand and that could be vital at this stage of the season,” said the Penrith manager.
