Wrexham Reserves 1-1 United Reserves

Last updated : 18 April 2007 By Thetashkentterror
Blues goalscorer Dan Kirkup
With no first-teamers risked due to a bug going round the club and Stephen Hindmarch rested with a bruised toe it was a patchwork Carlisle second-string that took to the field, boss Eric Kinder choosing to employ a 4-5-1 formation in the absence of cover in the forward ranks, Gary Madine playing as the lone striker on the night.

Goalkeeper Adam Bradley was ths star man for the Blues in the game though as he made a number of excellent saves in the first-half, Bradley denying a succession of Wrexham players with Marc Williams, Mike Carvill, Josh Johnson and Jamie Reed all having efforts saved, Meanwhile Robbie Garrett and Levi Mackin fired wide of the target and Mike Williams headed narrowly past Bradley's far-post as it was all hands to the defensive pump for the Cumbrians in the opening period.

Bradley's hard work paid off for the Blues in the 77th minute though when they took the lead through Dan Kirkup, the centre-half again playing in front of the back four in a holding role. Kirkup scoring with a fierce drive from the edge of the Red Dragons box after a United free-kick in had only been part-cleared out to him. Matthew Brown then missing the chance to double the lead for the Blues shortly afterwards when he blazed over the Wrexham crossbar from close range.

The lead was short-lived for Carlisle though as the Welshmen grabbed a share of the spoils with just three minutes to go when Johnson's cross found Carvill inside the United penalty area. Carvill's initial shot was saved yet again by Bradley but the Blues keeper was unable to do anything when Carvill fired home the rebound despite the best efforts of three Carlisle defenders to stop the ball flying into the net.

The home side even missed the chance to take all three points in injury time when Mackin got on the end of a centre in from Neil Taylor, fortunately for United though Mackin's shot disappeared away wide of the target. In a busy spell for the Cumbrians second-string their next outing comes on Wednesday night when they face another game on the road, this time away to Rochdale in a match that will be played at Dark Lane, the home of Rossendale United FC.


Wrexham line-up :

Michael Jones (Vinnie Whelan 46), Jamie Price, Neil Taylor, Lee Roche, Mike Williams, Levi Mackin, Josh Johnson, Robbie Garrett (Andy Fleming 63), Jamie Reed, Marc Williams, Mike Carvill.

Unused substitutes :

Wes Baynes, Chris Marriott and Mark Stewart.


United line-up :

Adam Bradley, Ashley Combe, Matthew Blake, Dan Wordsworth, Terry Stewart, Dan Kirkup, Matthew Brown, Shaun Vipond, Richie Hoban (Tom Aldred 63), Gary Madine, Matthew Wood.

Unused substitutes :

Grant Carson (GK).

Referee - Karl Evans (Leigh).

Attendance - 67.


Fixtures in the division this week, all 7pm :

Wrexham 1-1 Carlisle (Mon)

Blackpool v Tranmere (Wed)
Bury v Preston North End (Wed)
Oldham v Chester (Wed)
Rochdale v Carlisle (Wed)


Updated Reserve Team Table : Click here


United's Reserve Team Results : Click here