Carlisle City ended a three-match losing run with an excellent point last night against Northern League big spenders Ashington.
It finished 1-1 at Gillford Park thanks to an equaliser by Brandon Longcake five minutes from the end.
Carlisle City manager Jim Nichols had overseen successive defeats by Goole, West Allotment and Padiham, although only the middle one had been in the League.
“This was more like it. We were more ourselves and the lads were really pleased with their performance afterwards.
“I know we only got level in he 85th minute but it was a really good second-half performance from us and we could even have won the game.
“They didn’t create a lot of problems for us so it was disappointing that we switched off at a free kick just before half-time and they got their goal.
“It’s been pleasing that against two sides with big budgets – Bishop Auckland and Ashington – we have taken four points and this latest point sets us up for Saturday’s trip to Crook Town.
“Dan Kirkup will be back from suspension on Saturday to give us a boost and we will also have Callum Birdsall from Cleator Moor Celtic, our new signing, available to make his debut,” said Nichols.
Ashington had gone ahead from a debatably-awarded free kick. Stephen Townsley saved the initial effort but his parry fell to Paul Tobinson eight yards out and he side-footed into the net.
City probably felt slightly aggrieved to be behind at the break but their second-half effort was immense.
Their efforts were finally rewarded with the equaliser on 85 minutes, as Longcakelatched onto a right-wing cross and squeezed his shot past keeper Karl Dryden.
City lie seventh in the Northern League First Division, just five points off the leaders with a game in hand. The draw at Gillford Park meant Ashington dropped points for the first time in six games and are currently two points better off than the Cumbrians with a game in hand.
Crook Town, who host City on Saturday, are fifth bottom with a win and a draw from their six games.
