Substitute Craig Farrell was the hero for the Cumbrians with a golden goal winner seven minutes into extra time after Carlisle had surrendered a 3-1 lead late in normal time. In doing so, Roddy Collins's men became the first United side to score four goals in an away game since a 4-1 success at Wycombe Wanderers over five years ago, the first game in charge for Michael Knighton following the sacking of Mervyn Day. A few months later Carlisle had gone on to defeat Oldham 1-0 in the Auto Windscreens Shield with a golden goal by Gareth McAlindon. Tonight history repeated itself in a rip-roaring, old-fashioned cup tie that featured some exciting goalmouth action and chances at both ends. Oldham went in front with a well taken Wayne Andrews goal on 19 minutes, but man of the match Leon Osman replied with a low drive (25) and a close-range shot (58). Farrell punished awful defending to make it 3-1 only for Oldham to score twice in three minutes through 18-year-old debutant Scott Vernon. But in extra time Farrell kept his head to score the decisive goal and give beleagured United a major lift ahead of their vital bottom-of-the-table clash with Swansea City on Saturday. Picture from News & Star |
