Eleven crazy minutes contributed to a heavy defeat for Carlisle City as they went down 5-1 at North Shields.
The Cumbrians had competed well, particularly in the first-half when there were chances to have led at half-time instead of going in all square at 1-1.
They gave away a soft goal on 58 minutes but were still very much in the contest until a third goal on 70 minutes sparked a dramatic collapse.
“It was crazy,” admitted manager Jim Nichols. “They scored three goals in 11 minutes and the game was over, but the worst thing was all three came from free kicks.
“Up until then we had competed well and the 5-1 score-line was very harsh. I think we could have managed a 1-1 draw, or even a 2-1 defeat would have seen us go home reasonably pleased.
“Because, after all, North Shields are one of the teams with a big budget who are expected to be up there competing for the title, In the first-half, however, we were as good as they were and if we had taken a couple of good chances could have led at the break.”
Bradley Hird had given North Shields the lead on 13 minutes but City hit back quickly and were level four minutes later through Calum Birdsall.
The hosts regained the lead on 58 minutes when Regan Paterson took advantage of some hesitant defending to get in behind and score the second.
Then in a nightmare spell North Shields pulled clear with goals from Anthony Myers (70), Connor Oliver (78) and Thomas Potter (81.
The win pushed North Shields into third place in the Division One table, a point behind the two teams ahead of them with a game in hand. City are ninth, three points behind the joint leaders and a point better off than local rivals Penrith.
