Wonderful scenes greeted the final whistle at Sincil Bank last night as Carlisle United earned the point that preserves their Third Division status for next season.

A mass pitch invasion by both sets of supporters looked to be heading towards ugly scenes only for the fans of both sides to join together in amazing scenes of mutual appreciation.

That man Carl Heggs popped up again with a 66th minute equaliser to send the 800 strong Carlisle support into hysterical scenes of delight.

An emotional Ian Atkins said after the game: " The players are physically and emotionally drained be very happy. No one can comprehend what they have been through. The hard work has been done, now things must change behind the scenes to take this club forward."

The first chance of the game, on six minutes, fell to Scott Dobie, a surprise starter following his hamstring injury, but his header, from a Lee Maddison cross, failed to stretch home keeper Alan Marriott.

A minute later Jon Cullen broke forward only to pull his shot wide of the post. With 13 minutes gone the Imps took the lead when a Steve Soley slip let in Tony Battersby to cross into the box for Steve Holmes to power a right foot shot past Matty Glennon.

The game became scrappy through the middle of the half but was brightened by a 40th minute run from Battersby who forced Glennon into a full length save

The Cumbrians almost snatched a stoppage time equaliser but Jon Cullen was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the line by Stuart Bimson.

Carlisle pushed forward after the break with Soley heading wide from a 56th minute Maddison cross. Then two minutes later Stuart Whitehead headed wide from a Maddison corner.

Carlisle were almost caught on the break as Lee Thorpe got away down the left to force a full length save out of Glennon.

On 66 minutes the all important equaliser came when Maddison broke down the left and his cross fell perfectly for substitute Heggs to volley home from 10 yards.

Carlisle were then content to play the game out with Lincoln finding it difficult to break down the resolute Cumbrian defence in which Dave Morley was again outstanding.

Saturdays final home game with Hull City can now be a day of celebration in stark contrast to the nail biting finishes of the last two seasons.

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