Carlisle City brought back a good point from a 2-2 draw at Heaton Stannington in the Northern League First Division.
Manager Jim Nichols had been looking to get back on course after the mid-week 5-1 defeat at North Shields.
“The final score on Wednesday didn’t reflect the game but we were still looking for a performance to get us on track again and we got it. On another day we might have won it but I think overall a draw was probably a fair result.
“It sets up for a home game in mid-week against Whickham, although we picked up a couple of injuries on Saturday,” said Nichols.
Callum Birdsall had to retire after being caught by the keeper in the incident which earned City a penalty, and seconds later Jordan Little was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Jordan Holt scored from the 20th minute penalty after Liam Doyle had given Heaton Stannington the lead five minutes earlier.
City took the lead on the hour with a header from Jack Dickinson and it looked as though they might hold that advantage to the end. Unfortunately for the Cumbrians Konner Lamb grabbed an 81st minute equaliser for the hosts.
“It was end to end after that and we nearly scored again twice. Sam Atkinson tried his luck from really long range and the keeper just managed to turn it over the bar.
“Then Jordan Palmer hit an absolutely screaming volley which would have been a goal all the way but was straight at the keeper,” said Nichols.
