The big two in the West Cumbria Veterans League met in a crunch contest on a hot and humid night.
It was always a hard-fought affair but Cleator Moor Celtic came from behind to beat close rivals Maryport 5-2.
Home side Maryport had opened-up a two-goal lead with both strikes from Steven Stoddart, a talented rugby union stand-off in his time and from a rich sporting family.
Grandfather George was a very capable goalkeeper while his dad Peter played as a rugby league professional with Whitehaven.
As if the weather conditions weren’t bad enough, both teams had to contend with a hard pitch but Celtic gradually got themselves back into the game.
They pulled one back before half-time and went on to take charge in the second half for an important victory.
Michael Fidler (2), Gary George, Mark Callan and Glen Meagan scored the Celtic goals as they look to retain the title they won last season.
