Carlisle City produced a fine performance to hold Northern League leaders Guisborough to a 2-2 draw on their own patch.
In a dramatic finish City had player manager Dan Kirkup sent-off in the 90th minute and in stoppage time Jordan Palmer grabbed the equaliser.
It was a thoroughly deserved point for City, a big boost ahead of next Saturday’s big FA Vase tie at home to Rossington Main.
Guisborough, who had a fine unbeaten home record, had taken the lead on 43 minutes through Kurtis Howes.
He looked well offside but was allowed to go on and score.
City got themselves level on the hour with an excellent finish from Jordan Irving.
But Matthew Wilshaw restored the home side’s lead on 68 minutes.
Kirkup brought himself on and picked up a second yellow card in the dying minutes.
He’d hardly got into the dressing room when Jordan Palmer grabbed a second equaliser to send them home with a very good point.
Here’s Kirkup’s take on the match below:
Now City would have done Kendal Town a big favour with that result if the Mintcakes could have taken advantage at home to Boro Rangers.
But Matt Flynn’s side went down 2-0 at Parkside Road and instead of gaining ground on the leaders changed places with Boro Rangers – fourth and fifth now.
There were no excuses, though, from the Kendal camp as the visitors were deserving winners.
They took the spoils with goals from Harry Thompson (16) and Callum Hickman (57).
Kendal are back in action on Tuesday night in the Brookes Mileson League Cup at home to Division Two side Chester-le-Street.
Here’s what Michael O’Neill had to say:
Penrith, the third Cumbrian side in the Northern League, had no game yesterday.
