Carlisle United under-18s were forced to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town at the Sheepmount.
Josh Wade’s first-half strike was cancelled out by a late goal from Fawaz Junaid in their second match in the Professional Development League Cup.
Mark Birch made two changes from last weekend’s draw with Chesterfield, as Harry Moynan, Jack Hodgson and Borys Harabasz replaced Nathan Wheatley, Amaru Smith and Alex McDonough, the latter of which was involved in first team action this afternoon.
United had an early penalty claim waved away by the referee after Reuben Towers was brought down twice in the area, but nothing was given.
Towers was unfortunate not to give the Blues the lead soon after when he dragged an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
The deadlock would be broken just after the 20 minute-mark through Wade, who won the ball high up the pitch after a defensive mix-up before showing composure to finish past Fleetwood’s ‘keeper.
Towers came close to doubling the lead with the final play of the first-half after Tai Bell sent him through on goal, but the frontman was unable to find the necessary finish.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 1-0 Fleetwood Town
United started the second period in a positive manner, Towers flashed an effort over the bar from a tight angle.
Sam Worth was called into action for the first time in the match and did well to hold onto an effort from distance.
Josh Wade was unfortunate not to double his tally for the afternoon from a free-kick after he tried his luck from distance, his effort was strongly pushed away by Fleetwood’s ‘keeper.
The visitors would level proceedings with less than 10 minutes left on the clock after a scramble in the box was finished off by Junaid.
The Blues would push for a late winner; Bell came agonisingly close to connecting with Wade’s ball through to him, but he could stretch enough to trouble Fleetwood’s keeper.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 1-1 Fleetwood Town
Team:
Carlisle United: Worth, Moynan, Bell (C), Aaron, Miller, Hodgson (Murphy 90’), Harabasz (Cumersky 85’), Boertien, Towers (Thwaites 88’), Tonge, Wade
Not used: Robinson, Stuart
Goals:
Carlisle United: (Wade 22’)
Fleetwood Town: (Junaid 83’)
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle United: (Bell 81’)
Fleetwood Town: N/A
Red Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
Fleetwood Town: N/A
