Carlisle City weren’t able to emulate last season’s progress in the FA Cup as they went out at the first hurdle.
It was a tough test at Whickham, a top six side in the Northern League last season, and they saw off the City challenge 2-1.
“It was disappointing to go out in our first game when we won two ties last year but they are a good side.
“It was fairly even for the first 20 minutes but when they took the lead it was a bit of a shocker from our point of view.
“We had a set piece which was cleared and from there they went on and scored.
“That set-up a good spell for them but we dealt with that and created a couple of chances before half-time.
“We had to chase the game in the second-half and at one point we had five up front, which left us a bit exposed at the back.
“But our keeper Scott Simons made a couple of fine saves and we had opportunities ourselves but couldn’t take them,” said manager Jim Nichols.
Josh Simpson was actually credited with the own goal which gave Whickham the lead on 21 minutes.
The second Whickham goal came in the second minute of time added on when Tom Romano beat Simons and two minutes later substitute Callum Birdsall netted a consolation for City.
Nichols said: “We go to North Shields on Wednesday night, and that’s the start of a really tough run of fixtures.”
“We are not at home again in August and all the games are against sides who will consider themselves in the mix for the title.
“But we have four points, and are unbeaten from our first two games. Although we’ve lost Rob McCartney with a hamstring injury and Dan Kirkup is going away shortly there are a couple of players coming back and in any case it’s an opportunity for lads to claim places in the side.”
