Carlisle City took the points in a feisty Northern League encounter with Crook Town at Gillford Park.
It finished 2-1 to the hosts with all three goals coming in the first-half, but the higher count was on yellow cards – with nine issued during the course of the game.
Dan Kirkup had put City in front on 27 minutes before Crook equalised through Jack Armstrong on 44 minutes.
There was still time in the first half for Sam Atkinson to score and give City the lead again just before the whistle.
City manager Jim Nichols said: “It wasn’t the best of games but it was pleasing to pick-up the win. They were direct and tried to get the ball in behind us right from the start but we were well organised at the back and limited them to few chances.
“The goal they scored was a brilliant strike from the edge of the area after an initial shot had been blocked. Other than that I can’t remember our keeper having a serious shot to save.
“From our point of view it was great to have both Tyler Bowman and Tom Mahone back from injury. We still have three or four missing but hopefully some of those will be back soon.
“We are focusing now on Saturday when we have a home game against Thornaby who are currently bottom but finding a bit of form recently and are clearly fighting for their lives so we are expecting a tough game.”
