Midfielder Chris Lumsdon led the way with a brace as United hit the Minstermen for six. The only consolation for York was other results meant they are now safe from relegation. United started without Magno Vieira as Glenn Murray began up front with target man Derek Holmes. There were few early chances for either side but in the 11th minute with the first real opening of the evening, Carlisle moved in front. Adam Murray's low shot was tipped aside for a corner by City keeper Chris Porter. Lumsdon's corner found Danny Livesey who prodded past Porter to claim the opening goal. After 24 minutes the Cumbrians doubled the lead when Paul Groves committed a handball inside the box and Lumsdon stepped up to despatch the ball into the bottom right corner. Glenn Murray had to go off following a foul by Steve Davis which earned the York player a booking. Ben Jackson had York's first effort of the night, blocked by Matty Glennon and this was followed by a Murray shot that was just over the bar. Half-time brought no further scoring with the home side looking fairly comfortable. The avalanche of goals that followed in the second half was unexpected but extremely welcome for a Carlisle side looking to put Saturday's dire show behind them and cement their play off place. Holmes forced Porter into a save three minutes in. On 63 minutes the lead stretched to three goals. Lumsdon's pass was mishandled by the hapless Porter and Adam Murray was on hand to turn the ball home into the unguarded net. Vieira then stretched the City defence with a run down the right side of the box and Holmes was on hand to steer the ball home with his left foot to make it 4-0. The comedy moment of the night came with 11 minutes left when sorry York defender Dave Merris sliced into his own net while attempting to clear. The final goal of the evening came with four minutes of normal time remaining when Lumsdon made a bit of space 25 yards out and lashed in a low shot into the left corner past Porter. United almost made it seven when Beharral crossed from the right and sub Karl Hawley tried an ambitious overhead kick that flew inches wide of the far post. Al's verdict: I always felt we'd play a lot better than Saturday but this was a very convincing display, putting us very close to the play offs with a six-point cushion over the 6th placed team. Lumsdon for me was the star man with a very impressive midfield display, getting involved at both ends of the pitch and claiming two goals, the second of which was the pick of the night. York were architects of their own downfall with some very poor defending. We just need to avoid a disaster now and one more win will surely be enough to get us into the play offs. The best thing for Simmo to do now is to make sure that win is achieved at Burton so the pressure is off for the testing midweek visit to champions Barnet. |
