Carlisle City had a change of luck at Redcar Athletic, snatching an equaliser in the third minute of time added on.
Athletic had run up a sequence of successive wins and are in good form so this was seen as an excellent point for the Cumbrians who travelled with a depleted side.
Manager Jim Nichols had to make six changes, largely through injuries, and was delighted to have taken a point home.
“Overall we probably didn’t deserve anything but the way our luck has been this season we certainly we were due a change in fortunes.
“Although we didn’t cause them many problems we dug in really well so full-marks to the lads, especially to those lads who came into the side without much game time at this level.
“We have conceded late goals this season – two in stoppage time recently to lose a game 2-1 – so we were really pleased to get one ourselves this time. There was a shot blocked ion the area and Dan Harvey reacted quickest to score.
“During the game Dan Kirkup made some really important defensive blocks and our keeper Kyle Townsley made a couple of really good saves,” said Nichols.
The City boss was disappointed to concede the opening goal on 18 minutes when Brandon Holdsworth scored from a free-kick.
Tom Mahone, Calum Birdsall and Josh Simpson are among the injury doubts for Tuesday night when City entertain UniSun Athletic in the quarter finals of the Fred Conway County Cup. Jordan Holt is a certain absentee having recently flown off to Australia on holiday.
