Carlisle City battled hard in horrendous conditions to win 2-0 at West Allotment Celtic in Northern League Division One.
Manager Jim Nichols said: “It really was a battle with a really strong wind blowing down the pitch, which was not in the best of conditions.
“It was a game for the battlers rather than any quality of football and I was really pleased how we came through it.
“Because of postponements we have only played twice in seven weeks which doesn’t help – once in the League and once in the Vase – so we have lots of League games tom fit in.
“I think we are in a much better position than last year to put in a big finish. I think our season petered away last time because we didn’t have the depth to the squad or the quality to be effective enough.
“It’s going to be tough, with so many games to play but I’d like to think we are capable of making progress up the League and even challenge for a top five play-off place.”
City had taken the lead on 35 minutes with a goal from recent recruit Keelan Leslie and the second came from Jordan Holt early in the second half.
Nichols said: “We played Keelan in centre midfield because Tom Mahonje was suspended and he did really well. He hasn’t had much action since leaving Workington Reds and he took his goal really well.
“We have a big Cumbrian derby on Boxing Day against Penrith at home and then follow-up at home to Tow Law. In think it is a big ask for lads at this level to play so much over Christmas time.
“I have to say they have looked after themselves well, giving up works parties in some cases, so that they will be fit for their football, so massive credit to them when they don’t get much for playing.”
