A Steve Soley double saw new look Carlisle come back from the dead to snatch a point, but left new manager Ian Atkins with plenty to ponder for the weeks ahead.
The introduction of 8 debutantes was always going to prove difficult and all too familiar defensive frailties allowed Halifax to take a 2-0 lead, before the introduction of Carlisle substitute Dave Lee turned the game.
Atkins said "I was disappointed with the goals conceded, their only attempts on target, its an area we have got to brush up on. We will work and work and if we continue to concede I will replace players. Considering the side has only come together in the last ten days we didn't look as polished as Halifax, particularly in keeping hold of the ball. The first goal gave us a boost and we looked physically and mentally stronger than them, and if the game had gone another 5 minutes we would have won it. The fighting spirit was evident and I want that right throughout the club."
Although Carlisle started brightly, Halifax began to dominate possession. They took the lead after 29 minutes when Carlisle's Tony Hemmings failed to win his tackle on Mark Jules, whose low cross was volleyed home by Mark Bradshaw.
After 34 minutes Halifax keeper, Lee Butler, saved well at the feet Carl Heggs, suffering a broken finger in the process. In the 43rd minute Julian Darby hit his shot straight at the keeper, after being played into a good position by Antony Carrs.
In the 46th minute Halifax striker Gary Jones goalbound effort was brilliantly turned over the bar by Luke Weaver.
The Shaymen extended their lead in the 69th minute when a deep cross from Chris Wilder was headed home, unmarked, by Steve Kerrigan.
Carlisle immediately introduced former Bolton winger, Dave Lee, into the action and Atkins' substitution proved the games turning point.
Lee proved to be the much needed outlet when Carlisle had possession, constantly looking for the ball and using it effectively.
Carlisle's increasing pressure brought a lifeline in the 76th minute when Tony Hemmings was brought down by an innocent looking Mark Jules tackle. Steve Soley emphatically powered home the resulting penalty.
Carlisle visibly grew in confidence, dominating the play, and their just reward came in the last minute when Ian Stevens got away down the left and picked out Steve Soley in the box, who calmly tucked away his second goal into the bottom corner.
The evidence of Ian Atkin's passion for the game, indicates the playing side of Carlisle's future is in good hands. Let's hope the Board give Atkins the support he deserves.
Carlisle United:Weaver; Birch, Whitehead, Squires, Winstanley (Dobie 90), Hemmings, Darby, Soley, Carss (Lee 45), Heggs, Stevens. Subs not used: Pitts, Tracey, Thwaites.
Booked:Heggs
Goals: Soley 80 pen, 90.
Halifax Town:Butler (Parks 45); Wilder, Mitchell, Stansfield, Jules, Bradshaw, Gaughan (Herbert 45), Thompson, Richards, Jones, Kerrigan. Subs not used: Fitzpatrick, Painter,Clarke.
Booked:Thompson, Mitchell, Richards.
Goals: Bradshaw 28, Kerrigan 67.
Attendance: 4,491
Referee: E Lomas (Manchester)
