Carlisle United were unable to give their fans a farewell victory as they slide back to League Two.
In their final home game before relegation they were beaten 3-1 at Brunton Park by Wycombe Wanderers.
Manager Paul Simpson had been hoping for a performance from his side as a thank you to the fans who have largely stuck with them in a disappointing season.
But it was Wycombe who left the ground feeling pleased after registering their third consecutive away win and stretching their unbeaten run on their travels to five games.
They had opened the scoring after 15 minutes when a deep cross from Luke Leahy was knocked back across goal by Joe Low for Garath McCleary to finish well.
But United gave their fans hopes of a big finish to the season when they were level 13 minutes later. A cross from Jon Mellish wasn’t dealt with and Alfie McCalmont tucked it home.
But Carlisle’s defensive frailties came back to haunt them again four minutes into the second-half when hesitation in the penalty area allowed teenager Richard Kone to force the ball home from short range.
The points were wrapped-up 15 minutes from the end with a smart team move.
Kone’s clever flick released Kieran Sadlier to get away down the left and after finding Leahy he put the ball into the path of McCleary who comfortably scored his second.
Carlisle will complete their League One programme on Saturday with a trip to Derby and it’s a testament to their support this season, despite relegation despair, that they are taking almost 2,000 to Pride Park.
