An inspired performance from goalkeeper Jokull Andresson helped Carlisle United produce a smash and grab raid at Stevenage.
The Blues picked-up a valuable 2-2 draw against a side who went top of the table even with just the one point.
If it hadn’t been for Andresson Carlisle would have been left trailing in their hosts’ wake long before Joe Garner scored a late equaliser for the Cumbrians.
Steve Evans side looked to be heading for three more points, and a handier lead at the top, when Carlisle produced their second effort on target – and it earned them a valuable point.
It was a header from substitute Joe Garner right at the end of 90 minutes which earned Carlisle a share of the spoils.
Jamie Reid had twice given Stevenage the lead only to be pegged back, first by Sean Maguire and then by Garner.
Icelandic star Andresson had produced a string of fine saves in the visitors’ goal but could do nothing about the opening goal after 15 minutes. Carl Piergianni flicked on Dan Butler’s free-kick fand Reid was onto it quickly to fire past Andresson.
Another crucial save by Andresson soon afterwards saw him keep out a fierce volley from Jordan Roberts – as if that had gone in Stevenage might really have cut loose.
As it was Carlisle drew level five minutes later when Maguire scored with a deflected effort, hotly disputed by the Stevenage management, after the striker got on the nd of a long ball from Jack Armer.
Andresson was inspired for the Blues, producing a top-class save to deny Man Utd loanee Charlie McNeill and another to keep out another Reid effort with his feet.
In the second-half Piergianni headed against the bar when he got to a Butler and it was only a matter of time before the home side scored again. It was Reid who thumped home his second and was then denied a hat-trick by another top rated save by the Carlisle keeper.
All those saves added up and set-up the point as it was claimed at the death with Garner’s header after great work by Owen Moxon.
