Carlisle City continued their good run of form with a 3-1 Northern League Division One win at Seaham Red Star.
But it was a real slog in horrendous conditions with a gale-force wind down the pitch virtually ensuring the game was played throughout in one half.
Manager Jim Nichols said: “We were against the wind in the first-half and did really well in keeping our shape and working hard in the conditions.
“It was a bit disappointing to concede so late as they got a goal four minutes from half-time.
“In the second-half we were camped in their half and had the tonic of an early goal from a corner.
“After that we just couldn’t create enough clear-cut chances with the ball just not falling for us.
“But then Jordan Holt hit an absolute screaming volley into the top corner from about 35 yards – it was a goal worthy of winning any game.
“Three minutes later Tom Mahone curled in a beauty and we were able to collect the points. It’s never easy at Seaham against Red Star and conditions made it even tougher, so it was rewarding to get the three points.
“We now move on to Tuesday and Tow Law, which is the first in three successive home games so it does give us a great opportunity to cement our place in the top five.”
Tow Law, who are bottom with only a point in 18 games, are followed by 13th-placed Newcastle Benfield while Whitley Bay, level on points with City from a game more complete the run of games at Gillford Park.
Tom Lawson had given Seaham Red Star the lead on 41 minutes with Jack Dickinson levelling three minutes into the second-half.
The crucial match-winning goals from Holt and Mahone came in the 75th and 78th minutes.
