Whitehaven claimed all three points in a rain-swept encounter at Seaham Red Star in the Northern League Second Division.
After a closely fought game when both sides enjoyed a dominant period it was Whitehaven who came out on top 3-1.
The probable turning point was the second half sending off of Seaham's new signing Anthony Hume, for a crude tackle on Kevin Law which could have resulted in serious injury.
Thankfully it didn't, but Whitehaven took full advantage of the situation to score twice in the last 20 minutes to win the match.
Whitehaven set off well in the early stages of the game despite the weather, and Carl McGrady opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 22 minutes after a Craig Robson corner caused havoc in the home defence. It had resulted in a foul on a Whitehaven attacker.
The influential Mally Holliday then left the field with an injury, and the loss of the 'Haven skipper seemed to affect the visitors as Seaham took the game to them.
Five minutes from half-time they got their reward when Tom Hinckley levelled from a corner kick, and the sides went into the half-time break on equal terms.
Play swept from end to end after the break with both sides having chances and Seaham's Ramsbottom went closest when he chipped visiting 'keeper Brian Miller only to see his goal-bound effort trickle on and was easily cleared by the visitors defence.
Then came Hume's sending off and Darren Donald pounced on a poor defensive clearance to rattle home his side's second goal via the crossbar.
On 78 minutes David Dustin volleyed home from close range following Graeme Lilly's pinpoint cross to complete the scoring.
"We probably deserved the win on chances created but it was nip and tuck for a while. We'll take it and move on," said club spokesman Billy Robson.
Whitehaven have no game this week following the disruption of the fixture list and the success of Marske Utd in the FA Vase, but have several Tuesday night fixtures at home starting shortly.
