Carlisle and Northampton share entertaining draw

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Carlisle and Northampton both got their first point of the season on the board as they fought out an exciting 2-2 draw.

Jamie Devitt’s opener for Carlisle was equalised by Kevin van Veen and Matt Crooks put the Cobblers ahead after the break before Hallam Hope earned the Cumbrians a share of the spoils.

Carlisle had chances in a bright opening spell during which Hope hit the post with a 20-yard effort.

However Northampton fought their way into the game and a brilliant piece of skill by Andy Williams created an opening for Daniel Powell who, from 10 yards, dragged his shot wide of the left-hand post.

Devitt fired Carlisle in front on the half-hour with a superb 25-yard shot following a short free-kick just inside the Northampton half.

Northampton drew level in the 40th minute when Williams worked some space to the left of goal and his cross was headed home from six yards by Van Veen.

Two goals in a minute brought the second half to life. Crooks swept Northampton into the lead from a Sam Hoskins ball across the six-yard box in the 62nd minute only for Hope to immediately go racing through the middle and slip the ball past David Cornell for the equaliser.

Both sides went hunting for a winner in a frantic finale with Hoskins almost squeezing one in for the visitors and Hope off target with another attempt for Carlisle.