At Tuesday night's tournament at Skye Direct Stadium, Golker United defeated Pickering 2-0 after the hosts were hit by an early lead in difficult situations.
Pickering fell to 10 in the second half of the match and failed to back up his previous consecutive 3-0 wins in the Northern County Eastern League Premier Division.
The victory highlighted Rossington Main and Campion, including a succession of braces from Joe Wood, saw the Pikes move within five points of the playoffs.
The difference between the points has grown to six after the goals of Golcar's Alfie Wilkinson and George Doyle caused problems.
Golker started on the front foot and was soon rewarded for their efforts after Wilkinson's early corner was at home.
After just four minutes, promotional seekers Golker doubled the advantage. Oli Russon's charming cross was brought home this time by Doyle.
Before Connor Avison narrowly headed the bar, Wood was only rejected by Harry Stead, and Wood found himself one-on-one, so the town almost found his way back to the contest.
Half the quiet rest meant that Pickering would not register another chance until the time mark when he left George Brown.
And as he was played in 82 minutes, hopes for a slow comeback fell as Jamie Thornton was shown a red card for a slow challenge.
The late Pinball from Pickering in the Golker area was not possible to convert. Golker claimed three points thanks to his early attitude.
