A top of the table clash had Carlisle entertain Newcastle University in what was an epic encounter! With no snow or overnight frost having an effect, Carlisle and Newcastle were able to battle it out for the current top spot. The intensity was certainly there from the start of the game as the home side had their first chance within the first two mins as a glancing ball just went wide of the post from Jamie Snaith. The students made life tricky for the Cumbrians at times with some nice build up play and ball retention. The Carlisle defence stood strong however and kept the Uni side at bay. With Rob Whiteley taking a nasty knock to his knee, Carlisle had to use their subs well rotating up top and at the wing backs. Carlisle were digging deep and got through periods of pressure. Newcastle were able to find a way through after a well struck shot was able to get Carlisle keeper Priestley who had been on fire. Credit to the home side as heads did not drop and kept on fighting to get the scores back level.

The second half started much like the first with some good intense hockey. Carlisle however had much more of the ball and created most of the chances. Some good movement up top from the forwards created more chances for the Cumbrians. Neil Blackburn, Ben Davidson and Jamie Snaith all had chances to level it but the Newcastle keeper stood strong. Carlisle kept their pressure on with waves of attacks and short corners. The Newcastle keeper pulled off some move excellent saves from Snaiths drags. He also managed to clear one off the line from a Davidson shot. Carlisle kept going and were determined to get the equaliser and stay top of the league! Some good transfer play from a back line of Andy Cotter, Jonathan Richards, Paul Glasscott and Ben Meaton created more space for the Carlisle attackers. Time was ticking away and a Lee Fearn yellow card put Carlisle down to 10 for the last few minutes of the game. The Cumbrians had short corner after short corner and still couldn't find a way through. The home side were running out of ideas. However... cometh the man, cometh the hour! Another Carlisle short corner rebounded off the keepers pads and found its way to the flick spot. Dave Thomas was first to react and his reverse hit shot looped over the diving Newcastle keeper. Screams of joy from the home side were probably heard in the North East as it hit the back of the net! Carlisle kept hold of the ball for the remaining couple of minuets and were delighted to hear the final whistle! Carlisle deserved the 1-1 draw and a valuable point going into the last two games of the season! Credit to Newcastle as they played some good hockey. Carlisle should be proud of their efforts. They were able to get the point they deserved and should take this confidence going into the final two games

The draw means Carlisle stay top by three points with two games to play.

Next fixture - Carlisle Men's 1s vs Tynedale Men's 1s. 2:30pm push back at Austin Friars.
It is the Men's 1s final home game of the season, so get yourselves down to support the lads as they look for 3 points.

Congratulations to our Player of the Match this week, Ben Davidson, and thank you to our Player of the Match sponsor Premier Electrical .

A huge thank you to our team sponsor also, Origin Direct , for supporting us this season.