A late goal denied Carlisle City another win as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Easington Colliery.
Bradley Hird popped up with the home equaliser two minutes from the end of normal time, scoring with a very well-taken goal.
Then to add to City’s frustration they had Kian Goulding sentoff in the fourth minute of added time after he received a second yellow card.
City had taken the lead on 69 minutes and looked on course for the win when Hird rounded off a good move with the leveller.
City had played some of their most controlled football of the season and had looked comfortable until conceding late on.
Manager Dan Kirkup was well pleased with the performance and also a smooth debut from former Workington defender Sam Smith. On the downside he suffered two injuries early in the game to Tom Mahone and Keighran Kerr.
There are no League fixtures for City in mid-week but they have arranged their Fred Conway County Cup-tie at home to Cockermouth for Tuesday when manager Kirkup will give game time to players who haven’t had many minutes so far.
They will have a break next Saturday when the FA Vase continued but because of their progress last season are not involved until the next round.
To hear Dan Kirkup’s verdict on his team’s performance you can listen below:
