The honours were shared at Brunton Park as Carlisle and Barrow could not be separated in a 0-0 draw.
It wasn’t a memorable first Cumbrian derby in front of supporters, but both managers would probably settle for the point in the end.
Keith Millen thought his side had won it four minutes from time when defender Rod McDonald thumped a shot past former United keeper Forman but saw it drop back into play off the underside of the bar.
Then in time added on Mark Cooper’s hopes were raised when James Jones found the net but the whistle had already gone for a foul.
Generally though, the crowd of 7,470 who watched the game, had few highlights to discuss afterwards, as it was desperately short of quality with few opportunities.
Carlisle dominated possession, 61/39 per cent and had 12 shots, with three on target while Barrow managed eight shots but none of them on target.
Zach Clough and Callum Guy were closest to giving Carlisle a tonic early goal but Barrow probably had the better chances which were both off target. Josh Gordon headed wide while former Carlisle striker Offrande Zanzala should have done better when he poked a shot past the post from close-in.
From a long way out it looked as though it was going to be goal-less but that was the third clean sheet in a row for both teams, following two Cup victories, after they had been conceding some silly goals.
