Carlisle City twice had the lead at title-chasing Bishop Auckland but eventually went down 5-2.
It was all square 2-2 at half-time but a bizarre own goal right after the restart put City behind for the first time and Bishops built on that to win with plenty in hand.
City manager Jim Nichols said: “Our game plan had worked really well in the first-half, although we were disappointed with the goals we conceded.
“Then right away in the second-half Josh Simpson got in a clearing header which struck the back of Kieran Olsen’s head and flew in off the post. They got another right away and that was it.
“Butat the end of the day our season isn’t going to depend on games with Bishops. Any points you take off them are a bonus.
“They have signed players from Morpeth and Marske, two Leagues higher than us and they work off a much bigger budget than ours.
“We will just dust ourselves down and be prepared for Saturday when we are at home to West Allotment Celtic.
“For one of the few times since I’ve been involved with City we were unable to field a full compliment of players because of injuries and work commitments.
“However we had signed Jason Butterworth who was Lancaster City’s Under-23s player of the year last season. He came on and looked lively.
“I am also hoping to have another experienced player in this week to add a bit more depth to the squad.”
Jordan Holt had put City ahead after 25 minutes but four minutes later Andrew May levelled.
Rob McCartney restored City’s lead on 35 minutes but once again Bishops were quick to level with ex-Morpeth striker Liam Henderson levelling on 37 minutes.
Olsen’s own goal on 48 minutes changed the complexion of the game with John Howard knocking in the fourth five minutes later. Louis Johnston completed the scoring nine minutes from time.
