Carlisle City produced a stunning result to virtually end Bishop Auckland’s Northern League title hopes.
Their 3-1 win at Gillford Park completed a League double over third-in-the-table Bishops after their 1-0 win in the north east earlier in the season.
Manager Jim Nichols said: “I think it showed again that when we can get out a strong squad of 16 players we can match the best in the League and it was a really decent performance.
“We got off to a flier with a goal on four minutes and started really brightly. They didn’t really create a lot of clear cut opportunities despite a lot of possession.
“They did equalise ten minutes before half-time but it was from a really superbly delivered free kick which would have gone in off anybody it touched.
“For the first 15 minutes of the second half they probably had their best spell of the game and put us under a bit of pressure but always looked dangerous on the break.
“We got the lead back on 73 minutes when Aaron Bradbury got the ball back from a corner, beat two men and laid on a really smart finish from Sam Atkinson.
“It meant they then threw the kitchen sink at us with their two centre-backs up top but we managed them well and got the third, clinching goal in the last minute.”
Jay Kelly had given City their early lead before Danni Lay’s equaliser and after Atkinson restored the lead Jordan Palmer came up with the late third goal.
“It sets-up nicely Tuesday’s derby with Penrith but we will see about work commitments and any injuries before we can name a side,” said Nichols.
