There were contrasting fortunes for Cumbria’s two sides engaged in Northern League football last night.
Carlisle City earned their first win of the season when they beat Boro Rangers 3-1 at Gillford Park.
But Penrith were left still seeking that elusive first win as they went down 3-2 at home to Whitley Bay.
Back in the dugout after a family holiday manager Dan Kirkup saw his side turn it on against the Middlesbrough side who finished third last season.
They couldn’t have asked for a better start as Tom Mahone put them ahead on three minutes.
His west Cumbrian travelling companion Callum Birdsall doubled the advantage after 38 minutes.
City had been excellent but on the stroke of half-time Harry Thompson pulled one back for the visitors.
City continued to look the better side and gained their rewards on 70 minutes with their third goal from Adam Gordon.
They remain unbeaten in the League and up to the dizzy heights of second in the table.
You can hear Dan Kirkup’s thoughts below:
Frustrating time for Penrith
Former City manager Jim Nichols continues to look for his first win with Penrith, although they lost their unbeaten league record at Frenchfield against Whitley Bay.
Once again it was down to Penrith being unable to hold onto a lead, which is proving frustrating to Nichols and the team.
They lost 2-0 leads in the opening two league games and had to settle for draws,
Then in the FA Cup last Friday they lost after being in front 2-1 going into the final quarter.
This time they led 2-1 after 67 minutes when Luke Brown put them back in front.
They had opened the scoring on 27 minutes through Luke Hunter and held it util the 58th minute when
Layton Campbell had levelled. Brown edged the Bonnyblues back into the lead but a 76th minute penalty by Callum Larmouth gave Whitley Bay parity.
Worse was to follow with Campbell’s second goal on 80 minutes winning it for the Bay.
You can hear what Jim Nichols thought about his side’s performance below:
