Carlisle United picked up a deserved point from a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Newport.
There might have been some disappointment for the travelling fans expecting a win as Newport had lost their previous four games – three of them in League Two.
Carlisle needed a first-ever club goal from Corey Whelan in the 76th minute, which was a nice game to score in – his 50th in Carlisle colours.
Newport had gone in front on the half hour when Nathan Moriah-Welsh capitalised on a clever run from Thierry Nevers by steering home a cross beyond Tomas Holy.
Carlisle forced the pace in the second-half and were good value for the equaliser when Whelan turned in a Callum Guy corner.
It was Whelan’s turn this week after Guy had celebrated his first Carlisle goal last Saturday.
There was almost time for Carlisle to complete the come-back with a win but late on defender Paul Huntington saw a shot rebound off the crossbar after he got on the end of another corner.
Afterwards manager Paul Simpson praised Whelan who had been a late replacement for Morgan Feeney at the heart of the United defence.
Simpson said: “It’s brilliant for Corey, I’m pleased for him. That’s good value for him because he does things right. Even when he’s not in the side he does things properly, he’s a good pro the way he goes about it.
“As soon as I was told Morgan had a problem with a hamstring issue, it’s a straight swap. Corey in, and I think he handles that armband well as well. It shows the value of being ready. You’re not a sub, just making up the numbers, you’re a finisher.
“He’s had to come and suddenly take his finisher hat off and be a starter for us. He’s showed he was ready for it and he was composed. Him and Paul Huntington and Jon Mellish dealt with the threat of Evans and Bogle up there. I’m really pleased with Corey, really pleased.”
