Carlisle City moved to third in the Northern League First Division table after a 2-1 home win over Northallerton.
Northallerton, who were looking for their first win of the season after a difficult beginning, were tougher opponents than might have been expected by their lowly position.
City boss Jim Nichols said: “They were different to what we expected, played more direct and it got feisty at times.
“We defended well and limited their opportunities but when it’s only one goal in it you’re always worried they could snatch something in the end.
“We scored two good goals but went to sleep at the start of the second-half and let them back in it when they had a good spell.
“They weathered that, though, and could have had a couple more ourselves but in the end I was just pleased to get through it with the three points.
“If anyone had said we would be third in the table and unbeaten after five games we would have taken that without a doubt.”
Northallerton had started with positive intentions and John Howard hit the bar with a fine strike in the fourth minute whereas City’s early attacks floundered as they were caught offside twice in succession.
It took 22 minutes for City to create a clear-cut opportunity and they took it as City went ahead when Brandon Longcake finished calmly from eight yards past Nick Cranston.
Great strike from @Samatkinson1993 for @CarlisleCityFC last night #topbin @NLCumbria @NonLeagueCrowd @bbccumbriasport @newsandstar @SoccerAM @joncolman @CumbriaCrack pic.twitter.com/SITiS0mfvz
— Carlisle City FC Official (@CarlisleCityFC) August 17, 2022
There were quite a few injury stoppages in this period and they were to prove crucial at the end of the half.
In the second added minute, the ball dropped from a cleared throw-in to the left foot of Sam Atkinson and he despatched a well-aimed drive past Cranston.
Northallerton soon reduced the deficit at the start of the second half as Kyle Lancaster’s cross evaded the home defenders and was swept in by Howard.
Lancaster is on loan from York City and he caused a number of problems down the Northallerton right.
In the 63rd minute, Atkinson’s long throw caused a scramble in the penalty box and Jordan Irving was unlucky three minutes later as he was denied by a fine Cranston save.
It had become extra feisty and Northallerton’s Sean Chidanyika was sent off after 75 minutes for a nasty tackle on Atkinson.
Despite a late scare from the lively Lancaster, City were able to see out the game and claim the points.
