Up to that point the Cumbrians had been struggling to break down an impressive Aldershot side who had deserved their lead and who managed to play the better football for long spells. Carlos Roca was given a rare start in place of McGill down the right. There was no starting place for Andy Preece but Danny Livesey made his home debut in defence alongside Simon Grand. Peter Murphy fired wide of the right post inside three minutes as United did most of the early pressing. A minute later he had another pop from 25 yards out but was again off target, this time his shot floating wide of the opposite post. Brian Shelley, keen to get forward down the right got in a shot in the 11th minute that was harmlessly wide. Roca was struggling to get into the game and the service to the front two of Vieira and Hawley was again disappointing. Aldershot's Jon Dixon fired narrowly over in the 15th minute as the visitors began to play some nice passing football. Then Murphy struck a left footed shot well wide of the right hand post as the game began to open up more. Steve Watson got in a decent effort that flew wide for the visitors who were getting much more into the game and enjoying long spells of possession as United became disjointed. Lumsdon had a long range free kick defleted out for a corner and the Cumbrians forced another corner kick as they tried to build some pressure. Aldershot held firm and the quality of balls into the box wasn't up to scratch. Vieira got a shot on target but brought a comfortable enough save out of Nikki Bull. With four minutes until half-time, the Shots went in front. Grand's hurried clearance was collected by Hugh McAuley who passed to Watson who drilled a low curling shot past Glennon and into the right corner of the net. It was no more than the visitors deserved for some patient crisp football. Boos greeted United as they came off at the break and Paul Simpson decided to curtail Roca's unimpressive afternoon and threw on Murray to make a three-man front line. Murray got a header in within three minutes, getting on the end of Murphy's cross but Bull saved well. At the other end Tim Sills fired narrowly wide on the turn with Glennon clearly beaten. Vieira broke away down the right and crossed to the far post for Murray to head towards goal but Bull did well to tip round the post to concede a corner. Lumsdon's kick found the head of Grand who thought he had scored again but Tyrone Smith hacked off the line. Carlisle were starting to apply more pressure at last. On 65 minutes a Hawley shot brought another good save out of the impressive Bull. Then Grand upended Dixon a minute later and was booked. Shelley made a good run down the right channel and his cross was met by a glancing Hawley header but Bull back pedalled and tipped over to concede another corner. The pressure was increasing but still United's play lacked cohesion. Lumsdon saw his powerful shot charged down by McAuley and then Billy fired wildly over. Patience was needed but United were not showing enough of it. Preece finally replaced Murphy to the relief of the home supporters who had been chanting his name. Watson fouled Hawley. Lumsdon's free kick found the lively Murray but again Bull saved. With 12 minutes remaining Vieira was taken off and replaced with McGill. Murray had another header from close range but Bull made a solid save. Aaron McLean fired over for Aldershot with six minutes left. Murray wasted another opportunity to equalise but a minute later he was finally rewarded. McGill got away down the right after the referee applied the advantage rule. He got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Murray to stab home from five yards. The game moved into stoppage time and Preece made space for a shot with his left foot from 20 yards but he fired about a yard wide. It was to be the last real chance and the two teams settled for a share of the spoils. Al's verdict: Yet another sub-standard performance and yet more late drama to get us something out of the game. You have to give some credit to Simmo for using his substitutes to maximum effect with one (McGill) making the goal for another (Murray). The young striker had about five chances to score and was rewarded for his persistence. However overall the team display was not sufficient to make Barnet quake in their boots. Lumsdon seems to have gone off the boil and Roca got his chance at last and looked poor on his less favoured right-flank. It was good to see McGill make a telling contribution after receiving a lot of stick, not all of it deserved. Only Billy was really up to his usual standard with a consistent harrying display in midfield. On this form, we'll be struggling to maintain second place so I feel Simmo may have to bring in a player or two to stop the rot. Man of the Match: Chris Billy. Stinker: Carlos Roca. Visitors: Aldershot were one of the most impressive teams to come here and looked to be playing for more than a point for most of the match. |
