Carlisle United under-18s fought back from behind to claim a 2-2 with Chesterfield in an end-to-end game at the Sheepmount.
Goals from Ben Aaron and Alex McDonough helped the Blues battle back to pick up a point against the Spireites.
Mark Birch only made one change from last weekend’s draw with Doncaster Rovers with Amaru Smith replacing the suspended Will Rafferty.
United started in positive fashion, within a minute of kick-off Nathan Wheatley was played through on goal brilliantly by Reuben Towers before releasing a powerful strike which was well kept out by Chesterfield’s ‘keeper.
The Blues deservedly took the lead on the 15-minute mark when Ben Aaron volleyed home Josh Wade’s wide free kick to score his first goal of the season.
Wheatley should have doubled the lead soon when he got on the end of Smith’s low ball across the box, but United’s number nine was unable to keep his effort down.
The visitors would be given a route back into the game after Aaron pulled down a Chesterfield player in the box and the referee awarded a penalty, which would be converted.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 1-1 Chesterfield
The Spireites came out after the break with added intensity, Aaron had to produce a brilliant last-ditch tackle to keep the scores level.
Chesterfield would take the lead 5 minutes later when they managed to finish off an in-swinging corner, after Sam Worth failed to punch the ball away.
After falling behind, United attempted to find a route back into the game, Finley Boertien tried his luck from distance, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Smith, who was a bright spark throughout, was unfortunate not to finish off a brilliant solo-run when his shot towards goal was well blocked.
The Blues would eventually find the leveller whenChesterfield were unable to clear Wade’s corner into the box, before the ball fell kindly to McDonough who managed to poke home after a scramble in the 6-yard area.
United would push for a winner in the closing stages, with both Wade and Towers coming close, but were unable to find one.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 2-2 Chesterfield
Team:
Carlisle United: Worth, Bell (C), Miller, McDonough, Aaron, Tonge, Towers, Boertien, Wheatley, Smith, Wade
Unused subs: Grainger, Close, Armour, Keen-Jolly
Goals:
Carlisle United: (Aaron 15’), (McDonough 81’)
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
Red Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A