Three more points for Carlisle City

Carlisle City picked up three more Northern League points on the road at Billingham Synthonia.

They won 2-1 on a ground that had witnessed two of the club’s largest Northern League defeats in previous visits.

The first attack of note from the hosts on six minutes saw McNeill’s shot blocked by Bowman and the City defender then conceded the game’s first corner which was safely cleared.

These early stages were certainly competitive and possibly spoiled by an over-fussy referee, punctuating the play with free-kicks.

After 18 minutes a fine Simpson pass found Irving inside the home penalty box, and the ball broke back to Simpson who fired over the bar.

Home keeper Yaqub had not been kept very busy but he was forced to drop at Irving’s feet on 22 minutes as the City striker broke into the box.

A goal had hardly looked like coming at either end so it was a surprise on 24 minutes when Billingham took the lead.

Howes was given too much space on the left and his accurate cross was easily turned in by McNeill from six yards out.

Billingham then created another chance but Hardy fired wide.

City were struggling to create chances whilst still remaining competitive in midfield, and Seggie’s 35^th-minute foul on Howes was followed by Wilson’s free-kick going narrowly wide.

Irving saw a shot saved by Yaqub on 40 minutes and, two minutes later, Kerr was off target.

For the second league game in succession, City were trailing at the break but came out strongly after the interval.

Within seconds, Kerr broke clear down the right but his weak shot was easily saved.

The early stages of this half were broken up by frequent injury stoppages, including a clash of heads in midfield.

City were beginning to create regular chances and Palmer’s shot in the 54^th minute was saved by Yaqub.

Palmer had space again on 56 minutes but his curling shot was easily saved. Kelly saw his shot blocked two minutes later, and Irving latched onto the rebound but fired wide.

A City corner on the hour produced another chance as Palmer’s kick was headed back by Kirkup, but Kerr headed over from close range.

However, in the 74th minute, City drew level as Irving broke clear and rounded the onrushing Yaqub, with the ball rolling to Palmetr who lashed in his 25^th goal of the season.

The home side almost responded immediately as Hardy’s shot struck the bar, with Murray gratefully gathering the rebound.

In the 81^st minute, Palmer won a corner on the left which was to bring the winner. His lofted delivery to the back post found Kirkupin space and he did well to head in from a narrow angle.

Palmer then had the chance to seal the points but Yaqub produced a fine double save to deny him.

The referee eventually played a full eleven extra minutes but on the whole City retained possession well to deny the home side and get over the finish line.