Carlisle City’s charge up the Northern League Division One table was checked in mid-week.
A 3-2 home defeat by Whitley Bay kept them fifth while their opponents are now only behind them on goal difference.
But City had Tom Mahone sent-off at 1-1 and manager Jim Nichols felt they were given a rough deal by the match referee which cost them dearly.
“We just have to get on with it, though bitterly disappointed with what happened. He seemed to get all the major decisions wrong.
“That’s gone now and we are focusing on a tough trip to Shildon who are second in the table. We have been on a very good run and want to pick up from where we were before Tuesday,” said Nichols.
Local rivals Penrith also had a disappointing result in their last game at home to Guisborough on Saturday which they lost 3-0.
Manager Darren Edmondson felt it had been something of a reality check but did have several key players missing.
The Bonnyblues are at home again tomorrow with a visit from Boro Rangers when Edmondson hopes to have some of his absentees back against physical opposition.
In North West Counties Premier Division Kendal Town have not won since the end of December.
But last Saturday’s performance in defeat – 4-2 at home to leaders Wythenshawe Town – was more encouraging when recent signing Matt Dudley scored both goals and picked up man of the match.
They were denied a follow-up game on Tuesday at Wythenshawe when it was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
They go back into action tomorrow at Longridge Town, who were beaten 3-2 at Charnock Richard on Tuesday and are 18th in the table 15 points behind the Mintcakes.
But Jimmy Marshall knows his side will be in for a hard-fought contest against a side managed by former Kendal boss Lee Ashworth.
In First Division North sixth—placed Holker Old Boys entertain Darwen who are tenth, only five points behind but from two extra games played.
Windscale lost 3-1 last night in their Wearside League game at Durham United but will expect to get back to winning ways tomorrow at home to third bottom Darlington Railway Athletic.
In the West Lancashire League Whitehaven face a tough test at fourth-placed Burscough Richmond.
The west Cumbrians were disappointed to lose a President’s Cup-tie on penalties last week to First Division opposition.
The Premier Division side were pegged back to 3-3 in the 92nd minute and then went on to lose the shoot-out 3-2.
Travis Fyfe, Kian Goulding and Josh Green had scored to give Whitehaven a 3-1 lead but they couldn’t hold on.
Cleator Moor Celtic’s tie at another First Division side, Lytham Town was postponed and they will try again tomorrow.
