Scarborough showcased new signing David Reeves, the ex-United legend, while Carlisle stuck to their guns with in-form Andy Preece remaining up front with Karl Hawley, the two men having scored 26 goals between them this season. Inside the first minute Preece came very close to putting the Blues ahead but he hit wide with his left foot after a ball in from Karl Hawley. Chris Senior beat Danny Livesey to shoot narrowly wide for the Seadogs with 9 minutes elapsed. A Neil Redfearn shot was deflected on to Senior's head but Glennon saved. Ex-United hero Reeves made a good turn and shot in the 31st minute but Glennon made a solid save. Scarborough were starting to create a few more chances. The home side went ahead eight minutes from the break when a corner came in from Redfearn and defender Mark Hotte got a header in at the far post that appeared to be cleared off the line by Peter Murphy. The ref awarded the goal however. United protested at length and Simon Grand was booked. Murphy was caught dithering a minute or so later but Tyrone Thompson's shot was blocked. United brought on Glenn Murray at the interval and he volleyed over within the first minute of the second half. Murray surged forward again three minutes later and drove in a shot that Lee Walker held on to. Gilroy shot over the bar on 53 minutes after a testing cross into the box. Hawley hooked in a cross towards Murray who fell to the floor on 62 minutes but no penalty was given. United replaced Murphy with Carlos Roca. The pacy winger beat Thompson with his first run but wasted the cross. United were trying to create pressure but the final ball was all too often lacking. United threatened again when Colin Cryan almost headed into his own net, but Walker intervened. Senior fired well over the bar. Preece's header from a Tierney cross was pushed away by Walker then another Tierney cross brought an appeal for handball. With six minutes left Hawley half-hit his shot but got a defletion to force a corner. Lumsdon's kick was met by Murray but the ball floated over. Carlisle kept up the pressure and a Preece shot forced another corner. A free kick with four minutes left finally brought joy as Preece flicked on and Lumsdon ran through to drive home the equaliser. Paul Arnison replaced Lee Andrews. Both sides were looking for a winning goal as the game entered its final few minutes. Murray was fouled 30 yards out to set up a free kick for United. Preece fired straight into the wall. Carlisle forced two more corners but both came to nought. Al's verdict: Slightly disappointing that we didn't win after a strong second half fight back. Their goal appeared to be controversial and possibly we were unlucky to have it awarded against us. Our final ball was too often lacking but the substitutions of Murray and Roca made a difference and we stuck to our task well with Lumsdon getting the important equaliser. Obviously the gap to Barnet is still massive and the realistic aim must be to ensure second place and a play-off spot. Scarborough being one of the better sides this was a useful result but its five league games without a win now and we've got to start getting some results or the pack will soon swallow us up. |
