A goal near the start and one right at the end of the second half kept the Imps on course for the play-offs and left Carlisle with a five-point gap to close in just three games. Although United had plenty of possession and the odd half chance, City defended well throughout and used the pace of their front players to good effect. An attendance of nearly 8,000, the second highest of the season, saw a competitive first half in which both teams carved out few clear openings even though the home side held the territorial advantage and had more goal attempts. Both Mark Boyd and Peter Murphy tried their luck from distance in the opening six minutes but neither effort was on target. It set a pattern of United being held at arm's length by a 'bend but don't break' Imps rearguard. The pacy Marcus Richardson gave the Cumbrians an early warning of his intent with a 12th minute shot over the top of Matty Glennon's bar. Then on 27 minutes Gary Fletcher went close when he got to the ball first on the edge of the six yard box but saw his effort roll harmlessly wide as Glennon slid down to block. Peter Duffield produced a handy curling shot on the half-hour but Alan Marriott read it well and got down to save. Brian Shelley tried his luck from all of 35 yards and won a corner when Jamie McCombe made a block. However Carlisle's dead balls were rather poor all afternoon and McGill's inswinger was claimed by the impressive figure of Marriott. The second half could have been in danger of sliding into stalemate but the visitors made the important breakthrough less than four minutes in. Midfielder Peter Gain found a yard of space just outside the area and produced a delicate chip to beat the stranded Glennon. The celebrations saw Gain and his team-mates run right over to the travelling supporters in the East Stand and referee Pearson was quick to user them away. For a few minutes United visibly wobbled and Shelley was called on to clear as Lincoln tried to pinch another goal. On 51 minutes Farrell got away down the left side of the box but his shot cum cross was neither one thing or the other and flew harmlessly out for a throw-in. Within a minute Duffield found himself in space with a left footed chance but he sliced horribly and the ball went out for another throw-in. United were beginning to resort to longer balls aimed principally at Andy Preece but the Imps defence were coping well. Gain had two more efforts, one blocked by Glennon and one wide as the visitors, pushed back, looked to catch Carlisle on the break. Duffield was replaced by tall Kelvin Langmead on the hour. Tom Cowan fired over the top of the bar on 67 minutes. Then on 68 minutes the controversial figure of Richie Foran ran on as a replacement for midfielder Boyd. The fiery Irishman received a mixed welcome but his introduction seemed to add a bit of fire to the home bellies and the work rate seemed to increase as United strove to get back on terms. The in-form Shelley's cross from the right found the head of Kevin Gray but Marriott saved. Mark Bailey blocked Farrell's shot then Farrell brought a save out of Marriott with a 20-yard effort. Preece went closer than anyone in a blue shirt when he was found by McGill and shot across Marriott only to see the ball fly narrowly wide of the far post, Preece vehemently protesting that the keeper had got a touch, but a goal kick was awarded. Glennon saved Carlisle late in normal time with a block over the bar from Richardson's close range effort. Glennon charged up for what was United's last throw of the dice from an injury time free kick. The big keeper couldn't get his head to Murphy's kick and after a free kick was awarded against Lee Andrews and quickly taken, defender Bailey raced away down the right wing and scored with a long range effort into the unguarded net. The goal was the final blow and may be the one to ultimately send United down. Al's verdict: So it looks now as though we are heading for the drop. Stranger things have happened but to close a five point gap in just three games is a very tall order. We can take some heart from the desperate form of both York and Scunthorpe, who seem to be the best candidates now for us to overtake and survive. This was always going to be a tough game and on-form Lincoln showed why they are a top-five side with a very solid defensive display, probably the best seen at Brunton Park this season. They kept Farrell and Preece well shackled for most of the game and the switch to bring on Langmead for the busy Duffield didn't really pay off this time. In the end, we lost to the more effective team although we battled hard as ever and if we do go down, on the evidence of the last four months or so, we can hold our heads high. But it's not over yet. |
