Carlisle City’s superb start to life in Northern League First Division has stuttered recently and a 4-2 defeat at home to Newcastle Benfield was their latest check.
They had got off to a great start with a goal from Jordan Irving on nine minutes.
But the visitors drew level only four minutes later and within three minutes had taken the lead.
City fought back and went in at half-time all square when Jordan Holt grabbed a 27th minute equaliser.
But during the first-half they lost Irving with a head injury while key central defender Dan Kirkup had to retire at half-time with a back problem.
The home side rather lost their way after the change round, rarely looking threatening and goals in the 74th and 90th minutes earned the points for the visitors.
City manager Jim Nichols said: “Newcastle Benfield deserved the win but the injuries disrupted us. Jordan had looked particularly bright before being concussed.
“We were already quite a few players short and consequently in the second half we had half the side who have been short of game time.
“The goals we conceded in the first half were poor and in truth we didn’t threaten a lot in the second half.
“But we will enjoy a week without a Tuesday or Wednesday fixture and re-group for what is likely to be a tough test at Wickham who are particularly strong at home.”
Nichols hope to have several players available again for that game, hopefully including defensive lynchpin Kirkup.
