On a pitch resembling a paddyfield Halifax dominated the early exchanges but the Cumbrians defended soundly and got forward themselves - particularly in the second half - creating sufficient chances to win the game.

Manager Ian Atkins praised his players after the game: " I am disappointed not to win the game. We took time to settle but once we got a hold of the midfield we controlled the game for long spells but couldn't get the goal. You have to say it was two points lost. We have to start killing teams off and although it's frustrating you can't fault the players. I can't ask any more of the players when they are doing their jobs properly."

As expected Halifax pressurised Carlisle in the opening minutes with Neil Redfearn going close twice from distance.

Carlisle's first opportunity came on 13 minutes with a Jon Cullen chip going just over the bar.

The Shaymen almost took the lead in the 14th minute when Paul Mitchell's 40 yard pass dissected the Carlisle defence to find Steve Kerrigan who forced Matty Glennon into a full length save.

As the Cumbrians began to see more of the ball Scott Dobie broke into the box, going down under pressure from Graham Mitchell, but no penalty was given.

With play swinging from end to end on a now very difficult pitch, Ian Stevens was muscled out of a Dobie cross when looking certain to score.

With 32 minutes gone a Dobie overhead kick shaved the bar. The striker then went on mazey run from the half way line which resulted in a shot straight at home keeper Mawson when he should have done better.

Halifax almost broke the deadlock on 38 minutes but Michael Proctor's shot was well blocked by Stuart Whitehead allowing Glennon to make a comfortable save.

A minute into the second half Dobie broke clear only for Middleton to make a last ditch saving tackle.

Carlisle were now visibly growing in confidence as the half wore on and were unlucky on 65 minutes when Cullen shot narrowly wide from an intelligent Dobie layoff.

Ten minutes later Dobie got on the end of a Birch cross to narrowly head wide.

The Cumbrians almost paid the penalty for pushing forward, with 81 minutes gone, when they were caught short of cover at the back for Kerrigan to head against the bar.

As the game approached injury time Carlisle looked the likelier to steal the points as a 30 yard Galloway volley skimmed the bar closely followed by a thunderous David Morley shot which whistled passed the post.

Scott Dobie should have wrapped it up , with seconds remaining, but failed to control a ball onto his chest with only Mawson to beat.

All in all this was a good point for Carlisle and hopefully they will not be ruing the two that got away come May.

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