Carlisle City are out of the FA Cup, beaten 1-0 last night at Northern League rivals Whickham.
But it represented a brave effort by the Cumbrians who were reduced to 10 men before half-time when Dan Hill was sent off.
The City defender had clashed with a Whickham player off-the-ball and he was singled-out for the red card by the referee.
Despite their handicap City fought well to stay in the contest which was not settled until the 78th minute – from the penalty spot.
The home side had gone close, including an effort that came back off the post, while City keeper Stephen Townsley made a couple of good saves.
But it was a spirited effort from the Cumbrians, denied in the end by a successful penalty.
After three successive away games to start the season they will play their first home game on Tuesday night against Marske United, who are new to the League after resigning from the NPL during last season.
Cumbria’s other two Northern League sides are in FA Cup action this afternoon – Penrith host Pickering and Kendal Town are at home to Guisborough.
