Cleator Moor Celtic scored their second win of the season in the West Lancashire League when they beat visiting Poulton 2-1.
But Whitehaven started Carl Short’s reign in charge with a 2-0 defeat at CMB, last season’s runners-up.
Celtic included nine players under 21 in their side and they were up against a Poulton side who had climbed to sixth place after four wins in their first eight games.
At half-time they turned round all square at 0-0 but crucially Celtic had not been able to take advantage of the good opportunities that came their way.
That looked as if it might be significant as Poulton went ahead on 76 minutes with a goal from Jack Hayton.
Celtic’s response was excellent as they equalised five minutes later through Owen Woodburn and won it through a Leon Dymtrowski header in the 90th minute.
Whitehaven, who had lost manager Jon Karl Benson and coach Chris Rourke after last week’s game, played for the first time under new manager Carl Short at CMB, which was a tough start for them.
Short had this to say after the 2-0 defeat which leaves them next to bottom – “It was much more positive from the lads this week and we were unfortunate not to get something from the game.
“There were just two mistakes which proved costly against a very clinical side who finished second last year.
“We went into it with a game plan and we nearly managed it until they scored around the hour mark.
“Coing into this week’s match it was difficult after losing Jon-Karl and Chris so I looked to steady the ship and went in with that mentality.
“We are at home on Saturday for our 30th anniversary celebrations and we won’t be as deep defensively as we were for the game at CMB.”
They entertain Fulwood Amateurs who are second in the table while Celtic host Lostock St. Gerard’s who are third.
CMB scored their goals through Dylan Winstanley (56) and Daniel Locke (75).
To hear what Gareth Agnew, the Celtic manager, thought of their win over Poulton, you can listen below:
