The Cumbrians had flown down for the second time this season to reduce the amount of travelling time. Will McDonagh was drafted into the starting line-up in place of Mark Summerbell who began a two-match suspension. Craig Russell, signed in the week, started on the bench as Roddy Collins kept faith with Jamie Burt and Craig Farrell. The Grecians Sean Devine, making his debut after a midweek move from Wycombe, had a shot blocked after 10 minutes, the first real chance. The Cumbrians collected a daft booking when Jamie Burt kicked the ball away and went into referee Taylor's notebook. Adam Rundle brought United forward for the first real time and from a half-clearance Brendan McGill saw his overhead kick turned away for a corner by home keeper Kevin Miller. Devine went into the book for a foul on Darren Kelly. United had a great chance after 23 minutes when both McDonagh and Peter Murphy had a chance to convert a Des Byrne free kick after defender Santos Gaia fluffed a headed clearance. The ball was deflected away for a corner. From the kick Farrell had a shot blocked and Murphy flashed a follow-up shot inches wide of the right post. The home team came even closer on 35 minutes when Carl Pettefer brought a great save out of Glennon and then McDonagh pulled off a goal-line block from the follow up. Adam Virgo headed a Pettefer free-kick well wide. Pettefer then crossed to the far post and Shelley was on hand to kick clear as Flack lurked. There were no goals at the break. The opening 15 minutes of the second half were turgid and scrappy. Russell made his debut, coming on for Farrell. Rundle had a shot partially blocked. Then on 59 minutes Exeter should have scored when Glennon came charging out of his goal and Flack went round him, only to miss an open goal. Partridge's follow up struck a post. Carlisle thought they'd escaped but within a minute the home side finally converted a chance. Devine got to byline and put in a deep cross that floated over Glennon's head and Partridge had an easy task to nod home. Ryan Baldacchino was thrown into the action as Roddy Collins sought to change the course of a game that was getting away from United. The Cumbrians were losing possession far too easily and failing to put any pressure on the home team. In the final 3 minutes a Rundle cross was met by Burt but Miller saved. Russell had a chance as the game moved into injury time but his shot was tipped into the side netting by Miller. Deep into added time Mark Hudson ran through but Miller came out at his feet to deny Carlisle their last chance. Al's verdict: After Southend it was imperative for us to get a good result today. A point would have been welcome considering the three key players missing (again) through suspension. However this was one of United's poorest away displays in a long while and the home team deserved to nick it. It does seem we play better at teams who are going quite well themselves. This was a game between two struggling sides and thats how it must have appeared to the casual observer. We can't go on hoping to have our full team available as there is almost always someone out through injury or suspension. A lack of experience in the side has been blamed in the past put today we just didn't impose ourselves on the game at all. |
