Cleator Moor Celtic produced a superb performance to hold West Lancashire League leaders CMB to a 2-2 draw.
It was especially meritorious as the home side had to play the last 20 minutes with nine men after having two players sent-off.
CMB had arrived in West Cumbria with 19 wins from 21 games, one draw and only one defeat previously.
It looked as though they were going to continue their fine run as they led 2-0 at half-time.
But Celtic roared back and Bradley Rooney scored a fine goal, bending a free-kick round the wall.
It was still 2-1 when Celtic had their two red cards but soon afterwards Ben McCarron grabbed the Celtic equaliser.
Manager Stuart Shaw said: “I thought the lads stepped up and gave everything they had. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“The first half was a bit scrappy from both sides but we gave away two poor goals and they maybe deserved their half-time lead.
“We strongly believed at half-time, though, that we could get something out of the game.
“As always at 2-0 the next goal is massive and we got that with a brilliant free-kick from Bradley, bending it round the wall into the bottom corner.
“But then we had two of our most experienced lads sent-off. Our backs were massively against the wall and down to nine men with 20 minutes to go.
“It produced a terrific effort from our lads at the back – keeper Scott Paden-Gale, Owen O’Neill, Sean O’Neill, Rhys Little and Ellis Trotter who put bodies on the line and gave everything they had.
“The effort and quality James Bell, Adam Smith and Zach Benson Lester gave us was monumental before we got our break. A ball into the box saw a shot come back off the goalkeeper and Ben McCarron was there to put the ball into the back of the net.
For his hard work and graft he fully deserved his goal but there were still 16minutes to go.
“I turned to one of the best the club has ever produced in Craig Padley to go on to steady the ship and with his experience to talk to this group of young players and see us through to a huge result.
“I couldn’t be more proud of every single one of my players and the lads deserve everything after their efforts. It’s something we can certainly build on for the remainder of the season, and take into next week’s game at Poulton FC.”
