It somehow seemed typical of the way Carlisle’s season has gone in 2023-24 when they missed out on a rare victory.
They drew 2-2 at Brunton Park with Stevenage, conceding two late goals – the equaliser coming in the 96th minute.
It would have been the Blues first home win in League One for nearly three months, the last being on New Year’s Day.
Terence Vancooten scored in the sixth minute of time added on to salvage a point for the visitors who looked to be going home empty-handed against the rock bottom Blues.
Striker Daniel Butterworth had scored both goals for Carlisle who are heading back to League Two, although that’s not mathematically confirmed yet.
Steve Evans’ side had been given heart on 82 minutes when Alex MacDonald fired home a penalty after he had been fouled by Dylan McGeouch.
Carlisle had lost 12 of their previous 13 games and Butterworth, who has been in good heart of late despite those dismal team stats, put the home side ahead in the 13th minute with a sweet strike.
It was a lead Carlisle held until half-time and Boro boss Steve Evans reacted by making a triple substitution at the break and there was almost an instant reward but Nathan Thompson’s volley was blocked when it seemed to be net-bound.
Butterworth scored his second goal after 65 minutes and again it was a clinical finish – for the first two goal lead United have enjoyed this season.
It wasn’t enough, however, as Stevenage produced a storming finish to gain parity with MacDonald’s penalty and Vancooten’s close-range finish.
