Carlisle City made a winning start in the Northern League, coming out on top 2-0 at Tow Law.
It was the first-day result new manager Dan Kirkup was looking for in his first competitive match in charge following a promising pre-season programme.
Perhaps his only complaint would be that his side should have won more handily after spurning a series of good chances to wrap-up the game.
“A 1-0 lead is always slender if you don’t put away your chances but once we did score the second it was a comfortable win.
“The clean sheet was what we were after and the back four and keeper did well.
“It’s a busy first week, though, as we go to Newcastle Benfield on Tuesday and then on Friday have Whickham in the FA Cup so it’s a chance to give all the squad game time,” said Kirkup.
Jay Kelly had given City the lead on 18 minutes and although Tow Law probably shaded possession in the first half City had the better chances.
There were other opportunities to make the game safe for City in the second-half and it wasn’t until the 78th minute that Callum Birdsall scored the second when he headed home a free kick from skipper Josh Simpson.
You can hear Dan Kirkup’s views on the game as he spoke to Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh below:
