Update from the Tuesday afternoon reserve game
Carlisle were punished by hosts Oldham for a slow start in their bounce game on Tuesday afternoon as the Latics strode into a two-goal lead with just 25 minutes on the clock.The first goal of the game came in the third minute when a fine passing move was finished off with a crisp finish into the bottom corner.
The home side looked settled and they scored again when a ball into the box was allowed to bounce. A touch took it onto the bar and an Oldham forward was there to sweep the loose pieces into the net.
United reacted well as they tightened things up in midfield and they were rewarded for the increase in tempo when Joe McKee held his position on the edge of the area. It eventually fell at his feet and he left the keeper with no chance as he drilled a low volley through bodies.
The Cumbrians went close again ahead of the break when Jamie Devitt pulled off his man to take a cross from Atkinson in his stride. His touch was sound and it needed a full length two-handed save from the stopper to prevent what looked a certain goal.
Carlisle edged on top after the break and they forced Oldham deep as they turned up the pressure valve. Their equaliser came just before the hour when Atkinson fed the ball to Brough at the far post. His downward header hit a defender and Shaun Miller did the rest with a well-taken volley.
Joint assistant manager Lee Dykes said: "It was good to see how the group reacted after what was a slow start to the game from us. They demanded more from each other and, in the end, it looked like we would go on to score three or even four goals.
"It's encouraging because it shows the players aren't going to settle for anything below par. Lads who needed 90 minutes have got it and it's given us all plenty of food for thought."
United - Ashton, Atkinson, Ellis (Breen 70), Brisley, Brough, Devitt (Cowburn 61), McKee, Penn, Trialist, S Miller (Hutchinson 70), Asamoah. Subs - Crocombe.
Goals - McKee (34), S Miller (56)
