Carlisle United 2 Blackpool 0

Last updated : 27 September 2006 By seasiders.mad

Carlisle stretched their unbeaten run to eight games but a spirited Blackpool pushed them all the way in a thrilling match.

The Seasiders created better chances throughout, and had Ben Burgess found his shooting boots, the visitors would surely have taken at least a point.

Chris Lumsdon fired the Cumbrians into an early lead with his first of the season and Carlisle's first shot on goal.

The midfielder, with the ink only just dry on a two-year contract, played in Karl Hawley who in turn crossed for Lumsdon to lash the ball in from five yards.

But Blackpool, with just one win all season, refused to let Carlisle dominate. Burgess twice went close from the edge of the area and Wes Hoolahan, with just the keeper to beat, fired straight at the onrushing Keiren Westwood.

Blackpool keeper Rhys Evans then pulled off a tremendous double save to deny Simon Hackney and then Peter Murphy, but in truth another goal would have flattered Carlisle.

A resurgent Blackpool came out fighting in the second half and Hoolahan should have grabbed an equaliser just after the hour.

The Irish midfielder combined well with the lively Scott Vernon but smashed his shot against Westwood's post from ten yards.

Burgess again went close with a quick turn-and-shot and then a volley from 18 yards before Carlisle finally found some space as the Seasiders pushed forward.

Kevin Gall was set up on the corner of the area but the Carlisle winger flashed his shot narrowly wide.

Another round of Blackpool attacks began and soon the Seasiders were camped in the opposition half.

Burgess was unlucky to have a goal chalked off for offside and the burly striker on a further three occasions failed to hit the target when well placed.

Sub Keigan Parker almost netted with his first touch for Blackpool before the Cumbrians broke away for a late second.

Paul Thirlwell launched a long ball up to the lonely Hawley, who barged his way passed defenders Danny Coid and Ian Evatt before calmly lobbing Evans for his fifth goal of the season.