Blues reluctant guests at Hatters’ party time
CARLISLE UNITED 1 LUTON TOWN 1
CARLISLE United’s slim play-off hopes finally wilted in the Spring sunshine at Brunton Park as they were made to watch the division’s top scorers celebrate their promotion to League One.
The Cumbrians played their part but their role as party poopers failed to grow legs with Luton’s in a resilient mood from the off.
All eyes now turn to the boardroom and the decision to be made on out-ofcontract manager Keith Curle with the club’s football department in limbo until either a new deal is offered, or the axe wielded.
Indications from the top corridor this week were the decision would be announced within a matter of days following the confirmed ending of the promotion chase, so an interesting week looms as the club ponders its post-May pathway.
An early Carlisle chance followed patient build-up play when it opened up for Jones from distance. His shot was on target but Shea stepped across to pick it up. Campbell-Ryce and Grainger stayed on the front foot and they combined to put Devitt in space. Shea had work to do as he dived long to deal with the wickedly curling shot.
United’s good work was rewarded on 13 minutes when Nadesan slid a lovely ball through the back line for Bennett to chase. Shea raced off his line to make the block and referee Seb Stockbridge had no hesitation in pointing to the spot as the big striker tumbled to the floor. Skipper Danny Grainger took charge of the ball and made no mistake as he thundered the ball into the bottom corner.
It was all Carlisle and they created another fantastic opening when Joyce overlapped and crossed low. The ball bobbled agonisingly across the face of goal before being put behind for a corner. Devitt sent the set-piece long and Hill was disappointed to see his header fly straight at the keeper.
Luton had to wait until the halfhour before they could claim to have got into the game and they almost pulled level when Olly Lee broke through the back line at a tight angle. Bonham took the sting out of his cross and Ellis completed the clearance before Hylton could pounce.
More heart-stopping moments followed as Sheehan clipped a free kick towards the six-yard box. Loud appeals for a penalty were ignored and Hill stayed alert to block a powerful effort from Hylton. Grainger then received a whack for his troubles when he lunged across to stop a McCormack thunderbolt at source.
James Collins tried to take matters into his own hands for the visitors just
before the break when he ghosted through a challenge and went for glory. The slightest of deflections was enough to take it past the upright.
After the break, Ruddock found himself with plenty of time on his hands in a dangerous position. He set himself for a volley and wasn’t too far away with one that bounced the wrong side of the post.
Carlisle should have doubled their lead when Campbell-Ryce twisted his way expertly past his marker. It seemed to be perfect for Bennett but he took his eye off the ball and it ricocheted away to safety off his shoulder.
The hosts were made to pay for the miss almost immediately as a lightning-quick break brought a shot from Hylton which Bonham could only parry. Olly Lee kept his cool and calmly slotted into the back of the net.
United pushed men forward but they were almost caught on the break when Ruddock somehow bundled his way through three challenges to leave himself with just Bonham to beat. The stopper made the save and the defence was able to recover.
The Cumbrians thought were back in front with 10 minutes to go when Bennett found Devitt inside the box. A touch invited the shot and the static James Shea was relieved to see the ball whisk wide of his post.
Carlisle sent just about everybody forward but Luton closed the game down and started their end-of-season celebrations.