Carlisle United gave new manager Keith Millen his first win when they beat Horsham 2-0 in the first round of the FA Cup.
It ended a run of six games without a victory for the Blues, although Horsham were in this one for a long time despite their lowly place in the pyramid pecking order.
The first half was poor fare, with both sides reflecting their respective League positions, as there were few opportunities for either of them to get on the score-sheet.
Finding a way to improve Carlisle’s poor scoring record is top of Millen’s agenda although keeping a clean sheet, even though against lower level opposition, was a positive form him.
Horsham had brought 280 fans from Sussex for the game and at the end they have their players a rapturous send-off – as if they had won the contest.
United made a double change just after the hour after a lack-lustre opening 45 minutes and the introduction of Brad Young and teenager Sam Fishburn did much to provide more urgency in attack for the home side.
Both teams continued to receive a number of free kicks and corners in this half, but it wasn’t until midway through that Carlisle got the opener.
Young, in fact, on loan from Aston Villa will have pushed his claim for a start by the way he finished in the 69th minute following a good build-up between Callum Guy and Jack Armer.
The game had reached stoppage time when Young’s cross was well controlled by Zach Clough and his shot was deflected past the Horsham keeper for the second goal.
The second round draw for the FA Cup is on Monday night and will be made live on ITV after their coverage of the final tie of the first round between Dagenham & Redbridge and Salford City.
Twenty ties will be drawn for the second round and United fans can keep a look-out for their ball number six.
Millen will have another opportunity to look at his options up-front on Tuesday night when he takes his side to Morecambe to play in the EFL Trophy.
