Alnwick 1 Carlisle City 2 (AET)

Alnwick entertained Carlisle in a reversed cup fixture due to the extreme weather conditions in Cumbria.

The pitch at St James just passed a late inspection due to the overnight rain to get the game played at the third time of asking.

In true cup tie conditions the game was lit up on 10 mins Kevin Elliot putting in a strong challenge on a Carlisle midfielder who took exception and retaliated with raised hands and was duly matched with Elliot landing two upper cuts Amir Khan would have been proud of alas both players ended up in the changing rooms for a quick shower.

The game was end to end with Alnwick playing the better football in the muddy conditions; Chris Moffett broke clear on the right hand side of midfield and was thwarted by the keeper as he raced in the box.

Alnwick went In front from a deep corner which found centre half Stephan Rutter who fired a super shot wide of the Carlisle keeper.

Alnwick should have went two up just before the interval Tony Brown beating two players and finding himself in front of Bradley but the Cumbrian keeper again done well to save at the feet of Brown.

Alnwicks back line was limiting any Carlisle attacks breaking most of their play up on the edge of the box.

Alnwick forward Ben Keenan found himself in the clear on the right but his driven shot from12 yards was again well saved.

On 60 mins Alnwick introduced new signing Leeroy Odd who was soon in the action hitting a left foot shot from the edge of the box on to the post.

Carlisle had there best spell as they pushed for an equalizer a terrific shot from 25 yards by centre half Hill hit the post and was scrambled away to safety.

Brian Brooks then made the save of the game saving a powerful goal bound shot at full stretch palming it away for a corner.

After a series of corners and in the 87th minute Carlisle through caution to the wind with everyone in the box Hill equalised with a looping header over the Alnwick defence and in to the top corner and take the game in to extra time.

Carlisle went ahead on 8mins of the first period Steve Bell springing the Alnwick offside trap and curling a placed shot past Brookes.

Alnwick deserved an equaliser as Odd got to the by line and pulled the ball across the face of the goal line but the ball was hacked away to safety.

Alnwick had the best of the play in the last 15 mins of extra time as tired legs kicked in but Carlisle were happy to hear the finale whistle go.

Some good performances on the day by Alnwick notably captain Bryan Murray midfielder Scott McMullen but talented youngster Chris Moffett was the pick of the bunch playing in 3 positions on the day and deservedly getting the man of the match award.



Pizza Royale MOM Chris Moffett



Team B Brookes, B Murray, S Rutter, G Patterson, N Catlow, T Brown, M Cockburn,

K Elliot, C Moffett, S McMullen, B Keenan, R Brown, J Jeffries, L Odd