With Matty Glennon suspended and only 17 players available, Paul Simpson had to juggle his resources for the fourth game running. Simpson himself was back in the midfield after a four-week absence. Once again Paul Arnison was left out of the starting line-up with Brian Shelley at right back and Peter Murphy on the left. United forced the first corner in the third minute. Simpson's kick brought a stretching grab from Swans keeper Roger Freestone. Brendan McGill struck well wide from 20 yards with the first shot of the game. Simpson then fed Farrell who looked to be in on goal but Lee Fieldwick got back to deflect the ball and concede a corner. Lee Trundle went down to earn a free kick after a challenge from Kevin Gray just outside the box. Trundle's kick sailed harmlessly over. Trundle's next contribution was to turn and shoot against the post and from the rebound Paul Connor volleyed over. A Simpson effort was just wide of the right post on 13 minutes. Swansea went ahead two minutes later when Martinez crossed and Connor headed down and between the legs of unfortunate Peter Keen. A Simpson cross almost found Duffield but he couldn't control it. Farrell then went down after a challenge inside the box from Tate. The home players protested but on this occasion the decision went United's way as a penalty was awarded. Farrell made no mistake, burying the ball in the corner. Kenn bobbled a shot on 29 minutes but recovered to grab the rebound. A good Murphy run fed Farrell who produced a curling cross that Duffield was inches away from reaching as a goal beckoned. Martinez delivered a dangerous ball in that Shelley cleared over the bar from two yards, conceding a corner. United were still living on their nerves at the back, mainly due to Keen's worrying display. Unlike Glennon, he remained rooted to the spot when balls came in. Duffield became the first player booked early in the second half for a sliding challenge. The Cumbrians struck again on 61 minutes when Preece passed to McGill who crossed and Duffield fired a firm shot over Freestone to send the visitors in front. The goal gave Carlisle a new lease of life and they looked more comfortable. They did come under a bit of pressure but Keen was quicker off his line to claim the ball. Duffield charged down a Trundle free kick. Connor went off for Swansea, to be replaced by experienced marksman Kevin Nugent. McGill produced a good cross that O'Leary hooked clear. Arnison entered the fray to play in midfield at the expense of Farrell with six minutes left. Leon Brittan fell inside the box with three minutes left and was booked for diving. Langmead came on for Preece. Freestone charged up for a corner two minutes into stoppage time but just failed to reach it. Al's verdict: Another fantastic response from United after a setback. Although Swansea had little chance of making the play-offs, they seemed to be outbattled by the Cumbrians in the second half after Duffield had scored the second goal. The game began badly for us but we gained in confidence as it went on and Keeno managed to keep them out, with difficulty, after his early error. Even the referee seemed to be on our side for once, with an iffy penalty decision that this time went in our favour. This was a less nervy finish than Scunthorpe and to record two straight away wins at this stage of the season is tremendous. With other results favouring us, survival is very much "back on". A topsy turvy time for the Blues and the next two games look very winnable. |
