There was a dramatic late development just before kick-off as managing director Jonathan Fuller rushed to Newcastle Airport to meet new goalkeeper Peter Van der Kwaak who had been signed on loan from Reading. The six foot five inch Dutchman was the only change in the starting line-up from the team who lost 4-2 at Rotherham on Saturday. Billy Barr, available after suspension, was missing after his wife gave birth to their first child earlier in the day.

The first test of the new keeper came when he made a good save after 3 minutes following a good run by Paul Stephenson. It was his opposite number Martin Hollund who made a disastrous error when he failed to clear a back pass properly and presented it to ex-Pool striker Steve Halliday who scored after collecting the rebound from his initial shot. Shortly after this, Damon Searle crashed into home player Mickey Barron who had to go off and was replaced by Ian Clark.

After a scramble in the Carlisle goalmouth, Steve Soley collected a knock which he struggled to run off. United had to defend well as the home team forced a series of corners but new man Van der Kwaak had few real saves to make. Centre-back Gary Strodder met one corner with a header but it cleared the bar. Scott Dobie was a constant outlet for the Cumbrians as he used his pace and control to harass the Monkey-hangers' defence. Peter Clark had an impressive first half and one pacy run was ended when he was brought down unceremoniously by Darren Knowles, who escaped a booking.

Matt Pitts collected a daft booking near half-time as he delayed a throw-in and referee Phil Dowd put his name in the book. Hartlepool's ninth corner of the half almost brought the equaliser but as Van der Kwaak failed to collect, the ball flew just wide.

As expected, the struggling Soley came off at the interval to be replaced by Tony Hopper. Van der Kwaak again failed to collect a cross and Damon Searle was forced to clear off the line as Strodder headed goalwards. A massive melee followed moments later as the ball squirmed past the post for a goal-kick. The moment of the match for United arrived on 51 minutes as Hopper put McKinnon through and his left foot shot rattled past Hollund and found the corner of the net.

Durnin brought a save out of Hollund as United swiftly broke upfield. Hartlepool's next corner, their 12th, brought the rare sight of Van der Kwaak actually catching the ball cleanly. Halliday, the goalscoring hero of the opening half, then clashed with Chris Westwood and went into Dowd's notebook. If Van der Kwaak was struggling to make his presence felt, then his opposite number Hollund was having a nightmare kicking night as he fluffed two more clearances.

A tactical change saw Prokas coming into midfield for Durnin as Carlisle sought to consolidate their advantage. Van der Kwaak made a great save and United had to defend for their lives as more home pressure was applied. Prokas went into the book after a tug in midfield as United looked to hold on to the two-goal cushion. Hartlepool scrambled a goal back with just five minutes remaining as Graeme Lee was credited with the final touch. Suddenly it was all Hartlepool as the seconds ticked away. Carlisle had a chance but Halliday fired over the bar.

Al's Verdict : This was a much better, battling defensive performance from the lads. We added grit to our rather brittle backline and we reaped the benefits. Four goals in two away games speaks volumes of our new signings and how they've given us an extra dimension. For all that, this wasn't a league game and it's league points that really count. Until we put together some results in the league, we are still in trouble.

After a fortnight of inactivity, Paul Baker and Martin Wilkinson rang the changes, bringing in Rob McKinnon and Steve Halliday for their debuts and also fielding recent signings John Durnin and Shaun Teale. However, an injury to Luke Weaver meant that Peter Keen made only his second appearance of the season between the sticks. With Billy Barr suspended, the captain's armband went to former Villa hardman Teale.

Rotherham, top of the league at kick-off, began dangerously with Paul Warne looking effective down the wing. Danger man Leo Fortune-West had an early effort blocked as Carlisle were forced on to the defensive. United's first real attack saw McKinnon let fly from the edge of the box and Rotherham keeper Mike Pollitt got down superbly to make a top save. On 15 minutes Damon Searle's cross was headed wide by Steve Soley. Rotherham went even closer a few minutes later when Darren Garner's shot came back off the post.

The opening goal came on 21 minutes. Keen appeared to be obstructed as he palmed the ball away. Fortune-West got on the end of a header back in from Guy Branston and prodded home from six yards. On 30 minutes it was that man Fortune-West again as he shinned the ball home rather fortunately over the head of Keen. Both goals were a bit scrappy but they came as hammer-blows to the new-look United team.

Keen made a good save as Garner fired in a long-range shot. Rotherham's tails were understandably up and United had to scrap for possession. United had another good chance when Clark's ball in from a corner was driven against Pollitt's knee by Soley. Less than a minute later United had a four-on-two break with Soley feeding the ball to debut boy Halliday who side footed home with aplomb. Carlisle were back in the game just before half-time which was fair reward for their efforts.

United forced a corner at the start of the second half but Pollitt claimed it comfortably. Rotherham's first corner of the half led to another goal as Keen again appeared to be fouled as he tried to claim the ball and Brian Wilsterman nodded home the third goal. Carlisle were still under pressure and Rotherham had a penalty shout when Reid appeared to handle in the area but Durnin forced Pollitt to tip over as the Cumbrians forced another corner. Soley had a sniff of a chance in the box as he got away from Rob Scott but his shot was deflected and saved by Pollitt.

Carlisle upped the ante again on 70 minutes and after Dobie's header was brilliantly saved by Pollitt, Soley got on the end of the rebound to pull another goal back. Peter Clark collected a booking after bringing down Rob Sedgwick. The free-kick was swung in and Fortune-West completed his hat-trick from close range. McKinnon and Pollitt clashed inside the box and John Durnin picked up a yellow card for arguing. United earned another corner kick and Paul Baker came on for McKinnon. Baker had an opening right away but fluffed his header.

Home hero Fortune-West left to a big reception to be replaced by Jason White. The game finished on a rather flat note as the result was in the bag but United managed to avoid any more defensive disasters.

Al's Verdict : New faces - same old story. Our inability to defend at crucial times once again cost us this game. On set-pieces and from crosses from both flanks, we looked vulnerable. Peter Keen didn't look happy although he had cause for complaint about one of the goals. Attacking wise, we were much more positive and we might have grabbed a point or even won if all our chances had been taken. Halliday had a very sound debut and Steve Soley again demonstrated his nose for goal. Not a bad display, plenty to get encouraged about but we need to tighten up at the back.

United gave a debut to Shaun Teale, signed on Friday from Motherwell, but new Swedish striker Jonny Blom was left on the sidelines as his international clearance didn't come through in time. Richard Tracey was dropped to the bench as Paul Harries got his chance up front alongside Scott Dobie.

Plymouth's first real attack on six minutes brought them the opening goal. John Beswetherick put in a good curling cross and Craig Middleton met it with his forehead to beat Luke Weaver. Barrington Belgrave produced another header in Argyle's next attack but Weaver saved. As Carlisle came under more pressure, Billy Barr was dispossessed by Belgrave but the striker's effort was over the bar.

United mounted a few attacks that lacked penetration but on 16 minutes a mistake by Mick Heathcote let in Harries but his shot was gathered by Jon Sheffield in the Argyle goal. Plymouth made another chance on 22 minutes but Belgrave fired wide of the left hand post. It was turning into a scrappy game and Carlisle were keeping the home team fairly quiet. Paul Reid made the tackle of the half to deny Paul McGregor after a good turn and cross from the lively Belgrave.

Reid rode to the rescue again as he robbed Belgrave and Harries fired a shot straight at Sheffield. The game was warming up now and Barr brought down Paul Wotton to go into the referee's notebook. Wotton fired in the resulting free-kick and Weaver made a good save to turn it round for a corner. A display of petulance from Peter Clark brought him a booking in the final minute of the half when he booted the ball away in frustration.

Argyle made a half-time change with Kevin Wills replacing Paul Hargreaves. Weaver made a great stop from Belgrave as the dangerous Beswetherick sent in another telling cross from the left side. United made a tactical switch as player-coach Paul Baker returned to the fray as substitute for Harries. His first touch almost brought a goal but Sheffield fell on the ball gratefully inside the six-yard box.

Ex-United star Paul McGregor opened up the Cumbrians defence after 74 minutes with a good run but his left foot shot was just over the bar. Carlisle's second change saw Tracey come on for Richard Prokas. Baker had another effort as Tracey got into the action with a good cross. The Cumbrians were looking more dangerous as Baker made his presence felt. United hit the bar as Clark got in a good ball and Steve Soley cracked the ball on to the cross-bar. Dobie made a good break and his cross was headed out by Wotton for a corner.

The second killer goal arrived in 82 minutes as sub Martin Gritton beat Reid and fired past Weaver. United attempted a late fight back but Searle's effort sailed over the bar.

Al's Verdict : This was our 10th defeat in 12 away games. We were poor in the first half, as were Plymouth, but the second half display was much better. The introduction of Baker made a big difference and we really should have got back on terms. The need for a ruthless finisher was made clear. We can only hope Mr Blom is the answer. Defensively, Paul Reid had a fine game and Teale looked solid, if a little slow. We still have a lot to do and the pressure is really on now.

It was simply a poor display by United on a heavy pitch in driving wind and rain. The visitors from Mansfield, with their more direct approach, came away with the spoils despite very few chances created over the 90 minutes.

They took the lead as early as the 3rd minute when Carlisle left it to one another to clear a through ball played into the path of Chris Greenacre. The striker went past Luke Weaver, played the ball out to veteran striker Tony Lormor who drove the ball into an unguarded net. It was a desperate start to a poor game which never rose above the mediocre in difficult conditions.

Mansfield barely managed another shot in the rest of the half as United pressed to little effect. Richard Tracey saw a header deflected for a corner as did midfield schemer Richard Prokas, and down the left Damon Searle had some good moments, including one well-struck left foot effort that struck a defender and went out for a corner kick. Later another Searle effort from long range ran well wide of the target.

The second half saw more Carlisle possession, but again little in the way of imagination or penetration in the crucial final third of the pitch. The one good chance fell to Scott Dobie (above), who advanced into space down the right side but disappointingly screwed his shot wide with the goal beckoning. The United coaching duo of Paul Baker and Martin Wilkinson slipped on Paul Harries for an off-form Richard Tracey but received boos when they replaced the hard-working Graham Anthony with Peter Clark, in an attempt to add more pace down the left flank.

United's sad afternoon was summed up by an ambitious Scott Dobie overhead kick from the penalty spot which ended up ten yards wide of the target. Nothing else had come off for the Cumbrians and the Stags' packed defence cleared almost everything that came in from the wings, even though some of the crossing was better than usual.

The final nail in Carlisle's coffin was delivered six minutes from the end of the game as Greenacre was able to float in a cross and an unmarked Darrell Clarke had time to measure his header and send it past Weaver and in off the underside of the cross-bar. It was the signal for another mass walk-out by the disgruntled home supporters.

Al's Verdict : The optimism engendered by Tuesday's fine performance evaporated in 90 totally disappointing minutes. The absence of our two key central defenders may have played a part in the first goal, but from that point on, our defence had little to do really and our attacking play fell way short of what is required at this level to break teams down. With other results going against us, it is now or never as far as new blood is concerned. On the evidence of this game, we'll struggle to survive with the current squad.

On a cold night Carlisle produced some hot stuff in the first half to build a two-goal lead that was just strong enough to hold out against an improved Latics side in the second half.

First team coach Paul Baker stuck to his promise to give the youngsters a chance as he handed a full debut to teenage centre-back Paul Reid, who collected the CFM Man of the Match award for an assured display at the back alongside veterans David Brightwell and Billy Barr.

Wigan barely threatened in an opening half that was mostly controlled by the home team. The best early opening fell to Richard Tracey, who saw his shot deflected away for a corner after a strong break down the left by the returning midfield lynchpin, Richard Prokas. Chances were hard to come by but United looked much the more dangerous with Damon Searle restored to the left hand side and getting forward well to produce some quality balls and probing crosses.

On 32 minutes, United went ahead as the Wigan defence left Matt Pitts unmarked at the far post and the young wing-back drove his shot into the corner of the net on the volley to leave Latics keeper Roy Carroll with no chance. Carlisle were chasing the ball hard and Wigan appeared slow and ponderous at times. Their response was to throw on top scorer Stuart Barlow to add some pace to their attack. After 39 minutes United went two goals up. Some smart work by Scott Dobie on the edge of the box set up Steve Soley who beat his man before sending his left footed shot off the fingertips of Carroll into the left corner of the net.

Luke Weaver had a long wait to make his first serious save, but he rode to the rescue with a great stop from a close range header near the interval as Wigan began to make some inroads at long last. The second half was a very different affair as the Second Division pace-setters got back into the game with a vengeance. Using Kevin Sharp's deep crosses from the left, they caused Carlisle far more problems than they had in the opening period.

United were reduced to feeding off what scraps were available as Wigan forced them on to the defensive. Substitute Roberto Martinez pulled a goal back with eighteen minutes left when Carlisle failed to clear a corner effectively. The Spaniard's well struck shot found it's way past a crowd in the penalty area and beat Weaver to make the scoreline 2-1. United refused to buckle and despite some more Wigan pressure, they battled hard and chased everything in a very committed performance. With the small crowd anxious right up to the final whistle, United held on gamely to take a notable scalp and earn another home tie in the next round with Hartlepool.

Al's Verdict : Wembley here we come ? Wigan on paper were the best team in the Northern half of the draw and on this display, anything is possible. The visitors seemed lethargic in the first half but came back strongly and are clearly a very useful side. We did well in midfield, battled hard for possession and put both goals away well. League points are obviously far more important but this result will give the lads confidence and means we are still unbeaten at Brunton Park in the new millennium!

Steve Soley was also on target as a fired-up United dominated the first hour of the game, shredding the Londoners time and again and looking likely to add more goals.

However, the other side to Carlisle's nature was revealed in a fifteen-minute spell late in the game as they conceded a simple headed goal and allowed Barnet to get on top and almost pull back more goals.

From the off, the Cumbrians looked quicker to the ball and the Bees defence looked decidedly ropey. Steve Soley scored the opener on 29 minutes and it was a beauty. Halliday flicked the ball on to John Durnin, who released the former Pompey midfielder into a gaping hole down the middle of the park. Soley finished with aplomb, leaving goalie Lee Harrison helpless.

As Carlisle grew in confidence, Barnet wilted. Peter Clark tried a snap-shot that Harrison saved low down. Soley fired in a long-range lob that only just cleared the bar. Then on 42 minutes, United moved two goals ahead. The ever-dangerous Halliday picked up the ball on the edge of the box, twisted and turned his way past two defenders and stroked the ball home into the far corner of the goal.

The second half saw more of the same as United produced some excellent attacking football. Inevitably it was man of the moment Halliday who grabbed the third goal. Durnin again played him in and he lobbed Harrison with the perfect finish in front of the Warwick Road fans.

Halliday should have really had a hat-trick a few minutes later but his shot from close in floated over the bar with the keeper again beaten. It looked like it was 4-0 just past the hour mark but Durnin's excellent volleyed finish was ruled out by referee Ryan for offside.

Had that effort stood, Carlisle could have cruised to victory, but, as so often this season, they allowed Barnet to get back into the game and after a series of corners the visitors struck back with a goal on 74 minutes. Substitute Manni Omoyinmi was allowed acres of space to measure up a cross from the right and Darren Currie rose comfortably to head past Luke Weaver. Barnet perked up and Carlisle came under more pressure. Another goal at this stage would have led to a tense finish.

However Paul Baker used his subs well and United regrouped effectively. Barnet's threat died and three priceless points were deservedly won.

Al's Verdict : The first hour or so of this game saw undoubtedly our finest football of the season. It was Steve Halliday's finest hour certainly - his goals were of Premiership quality. Durnin's introduction to the attack paid off handsomely and Soley's goal epitomised his strong running from midfield as he finished superbly. Once again, a nervous finish from the defence but at least this time they held out and we picked up a crucial and very satisfying victory with Chester losing.

For this crunch clash, Martin Wilkinson, facing the sack this week if reports are to be believed, was able to bring back Luke Weaver and Stuart Whitehead, both sorely missed in recent weeks. Richard Prokas and Peter Clark were restored to the line-up with Damon Searle on the bench. Young Paul Reid slotted into an unorthodox sweeper position in front of the back three. York fielded the former Carlisle triallist Steve Agnew, who very nearly joined the Cumbrians at the start of this season.

Carlisle made a promising start with Peter Clark tackled at the point of shooting by Thompson after a good pass from Steve Halliday. United's commitment was obvious but it was rather too obvious as Prokas slid in on Agnew and received a yellow card from Preston official Phil Richards. The same combination of Halliday and Clark almost brought reward again after 17 minutes but Clark's shot was blocked.

Clark was proving a good target and a Dobie cross aimed at the former Arsenal defender was just too high as Clark steamed in at the far post. York's first real chance of the game fell to Lee Bullock who shot high over the bar after a slight mistake by Shaun Teale. Carlisle worked the ball across to Richard Prokas whose first time shot was well claimed by Alan Fettis in the Minstermen's goal. It took 35 minutes for the first corner to arrive and it came the way of Carlisle. Clark's kick was poor and York cleared with ease.

Carlisle again looked likely to break through with Clark challenging Fettis in the air and the ball spinning out to Dobie who just couldn't get a shot in on time. The York defence was looking distinctly uncomfortable with Clark a key man getting forward from the back. Half-time came with United looking the better side although few really clear chances had been created.

The home team made a half-time change with Christian Fox replacing Bullock. United had an early opportunity when they were awarded a free kick outside the box. Tony Hopper's shot was well struck but straight at Fettis. York again rang the changes with tall striker John Williams replacing James Turley. The dangerous Clark got through again but sadly scuffed his shot when an opportunity beckoned. Carlisle broke through with a superb strike on 58 minutes from Steve Halliday. He picked up a Soley pass and produced a cracking 20-yard shot to beat Fettis who just got his fingers to the ball.

Halliday should have made it 2-0 barely a minute later but he hoofed wide he was clean through and the goal was beckoning. The same player was through again on 66 minutes but Fettis made a class save to turn the ball on to the bar and deny the former Motherwell man. It really could have been 3-0 by now. Paul Reid was having a very good game and one promising run seemed to end in a foul but referee Richards waved away appeals. However the youngster was guilty of a serious error shortly after this and Weaver had to ride to the rescue as he denied Barry Conlon. For the first time in the game, the Cumbrians were coming under real pressure.

Big Williams rode past Brightwell with 7 minutes left but fired wide as Clark challenged. The pressure paid off on 85 minutes as Conlon pulled out a cracker with a fine shot planted past Weaver. Williams struck the bar as Conlon crossed with United under the cosh. Conlon then fired over the top after Fox carved out a chance for him. As the tension increased in injury time, United had to battle their way to a point and there was some relief on their faces as the whistle blew.

Al's Verdict : Well we couldn't afford to be as bad as we were at Lincoln and we weren't. However, this game should have been in the bag before a late rally by the home team brought them an equaliser as Carlisle squirmed and panicked under a spell of pressure. Defending is still our Achilles heel although for most of this game, we looked comfortable enough. When the pressure is applied, we seem to give the ball away and play deeper and deeper. It is disappointing that nothing seems to have improved in this aspect of our play. Still bottom - and still in trouble.

United are now free to concentrate their efforts on league survival, which is becoming increasingly urgent after Chester earned a valuable point at Plymouth to move above the Cumbrians and leave them bottom of the table, albeit with three games in hand.

This was a rather disappointing contest for a cup-tie, with few really good chances created over 90 minutes. A swirling wind made conditions difficult as the game went on, with United guilty of a series of misplaced passes in the second half.

With captain Dave Brightwell restored to defence alongside Paul Reid and Shaun Teale, United were back to a 5-3-2 formation. Damon Searle was back in favour with Peter Clark left out and Scott Dobie was paired with Steve Halliday upfront. The midfield was bolstered by the return of Steve Soley and Graham Anthony. The first 45 minutes was very poor indeed with United's only bright spell seeing a flurry of shots from long range, the best of which came from a free-kick swung in by Rob McKinnon which Dale keeper Phil Priestley saved with ease. Dobie and Hopper both had efforts which were well off target.

The visitors had rarely threatened when suddenly they hit the post twice within two minutes. An unmarked Tony Ellis flicked a header onto the inside of the post and from a similar position moments later, Dave Flitcroft headed again on to the woodwork with Peter van der Kwaak beaten. United suffered a setback when the influential McKinnon had to go off injured after picking up a knock inside the six-yard box. Their only constructive play had come from Anthony and McKinnon - the second half saw them resort far too often to long balls from the back.

Dale broke through eleven minutes into the second period. Shaun Teale was pulled up for a foul near the touch-line and from the free kick, Rochdale captain Keith Hill rose highest to force a header over the line despite the attentions of a man on the line. It was a rather scrappy goal to decide a rather scrappy contest. Try as they might, Carlisle never really looked like getting back into it as the home crowd of 1,792 vented their frustrations against Michael Knighton, Martin Wilkinson and anyone else they could think of.

A bit of late pressure brought half a chance for sub Richard Tracey and Carlisle forced a couple of corners but the visitors defended resolutely enough and did enough to earn their place in the Northern Final with Stoke. United are left to fight an increasingly tense relegation battle in the league.

Al's Verdict : I can imagine a lot of supporters will view this result as a victory for United. This competition has raised false hopes too often in the recent past and has been our only source of victories over the past two months. This was another poor display mind you, with precious little evidence of any positive response to the bollocking the players received after their abject "performance" at Lincoln. Halliday, Anthony and Hopper just about did themselves justice but elsewhere we seemed to lack heart and character. Hopefully we are saving ourselves for the vital clash at York. Hope springs eternal.

Carlisle, lacking Billy Barr after his serious injury against Shrewsbury, made only one change to the team that finished that match, bringing in John Durnin for Damon Searle. David Brightwell controversially continued up front alongside in-form striker Steve Halliday.

In a disastrous start, Lincoln's long throw-in specialist Paul Mayo brought them a goal after barely 60 seconds. Nobody seemed to pick it up and Steven Holmes got on the end of it to put the Imps a goal up. Incredibly, within four minutes it was 2-0. Shaun Teale was robbed by Richard Peacock who ran through to beat a stranded van der Kwaak. United had a huge shout for a penalty after 14 minutes when Peter Clark was tripped inside the box, but referee Bates applied the rule that Carlisle don't get penalties and waved away appeals.

Lincoln continued to pepper the United central defence and van der Kwaak pulled off a good save to prevent a third goal as the home fans set off their air-raid sirens. The big Dutchman had to make another good save to deny Lee Thorpe. United tried to play possession football and a Tony Hopper headed attempt brought a corner. From the kick, a Brightwell header appeared to strike a Lincoln hand but again no spot kick was awarded. Rob McKinnon got on the end of a nice move but Alan Marriott pulled off a top save. McKinnon and Brightwell combined well again and Hopper came in with a shot that flew just wide of the post.

Dobie went close with another header as Carlisle finished the half playing the better football. The interval brought a tactical re-think. Peter Clark joined Teale and Reid in a three-man defence with Tony Hopper moving to the left back position. It was Hopper who had a good chance early on when he got on the end of a Brightwell flick but his volley was half-hit and Marriott gathered comfortably. Against the run of play, Gordon beat Teale to a through ball and ran straight through to beat van der Kwaak and make it 3-0. Disaster piled upon disaster as Peacock claimed no.4 with a volley after Carlisle failed to clear the ball.

United were totally out of it as their brief spell of pressure brought no reward. They were trying to play football but were getting nowhere. A double change saw Graham Anthony and Richard Tracey coming for Durnin and Brightwell. Things picked up a little and McKinnon sent a curling free kick past the post. However, Lincoln sealed their overwhelming victory on 80 minutes when Gordon met a corner at the near-post to score the fifth goal. The same player almost completed a hat-trick when his acrobatic overhead kick floated just wide of the target.

Al's Verdict : I just hope that we've hit rock-bottom with this performance, because if we get any worse, we'll be heading for relegation. Defensively, I have been saying all season that we've been naiive. Lincoln's direct threat must have been well known, but we played like we were expecting them to pass the ball into the net. We once again failed to cope with high balls and crosses into the box. All we needed to do was put someone like Brightwell in there to clear the ball, but he was stuck up the other end of the pitch. I am utterly dejected. We've brought in six players - what else is there for us to do ?

After a rather lacklustre first half, which came to life in the last minute when referee Dean awarded a controversial penalty to the visitors, United rolled their sleeves up and fought back to claim a quick equaliser from Steve Halliday, his third in three games since joining from Motherwell.

Martin Wilkinson's tactical surprise turned out to be David Brightwell playing up front as a striker alongside Halliday. The move didn't seem to be paying off in the opening half as Brightwell, despite winning a fair number of headers, failed to link effectively with the livewire Halliday. A long-range Rob McKinnon effort, grabbed at the second attempt by Shrews keeper Paul Edwards, was one of the few highlights.

Tall targetman John Gayle pulled another long range effort just wide of Peter van der Kwaak's right-hand post, but the Shrews went ahead in time added on for what appeared to be a serious injury for Billy Barr. With Barr replaced by Matt Pitts, United's reorganised defence was caught napping by Michael Brown who broke through only to fall theatrically on the edge of the box after a challenge from van der Kwaak. It looked neither a foul nor inside the area, but Dean booked the Dutch keeper and pointed to the spot. Wayne Thomas fired his kick into the roof of the net.

United began the second half with a rapid reply. Brightwell made his presence felt in the box, winning a header and the ball fell for Halliday, who netted from a tight angle. Carlisle put some pressure on and Halliday was almost in again soon after, but he rather scuffed his attempted lob. Rob McKinnon raided down the left, delivered a good cross but Scott Dobie headed just over. van der Kwaak had little to do as Town's efforts were virtually all off target.

The best chance to put United ahead fell to Damon Searle on his weaker right foot and he put it agonisingly wide. John Durnin and Graham Anthony entered the fray and Durnin saw one shot brilliantly palmed away by Edwards. At the other end, Gayle appeared to kick van der Kwaak and Dean made his one favourable decision of the day for United and sent him off. Carlisle surged forward, but Shrewsbury pulled everyone back and managed to keep the Cumbrians out.

Al's Verdict : Nine out of ten for effort, but commitment alone isn't enough. We still look rather disjointed. The midfield lacked a real presence today and too many challenges seemed to be won by Shrewsbury. Halliday looks dangerous up front and has some nice touches and Teale is a great talker at the back. It may take a few games to find the best formation, but surely we must be better than Chester ?

United desperately needed to put things right after the humiliating defeat to Hull on Saturday and this was also a vital match for Cheltenham, who kicked off in the last play-off spot in what is their first ever season of league football.

United welcomed back keeper Luke Weaver, but had to do without Dave Brightwell through suspension and the injured midfield lynchpin Richard Prokas. Early in the game they also lost the services of Tony Hopper, who appeared to have a problem and went off to be replaced by Matt Pitts.

The opening half was pretty tight, but United's front two of Steve Halliday and John Durnin appeared to have learnt the lessons of Saturday's debacle by coming deeper for the ball and forcing the tall Cheltenham rearguard to play them on the floor rather than clear from the air. Durnin helped Soley to get a chance early on but his shot from the edge of the box lacked power and visiting keeper Steve Book saved comfortably.

Durnin produced a better effort when he let fly from 25 yards but his dipping shot just cleared the cross-bar. The men from Gloucestershire looked dangerous from set pieces and the long throw-ins of Neil Howarth. The closest they came to a first-half goal was when defender Jamie Victory fired over the bar when standing unmarked inside the box. It was a big let off for Carlisle, who were starting to lose their earlier composure.

The second half saw Cheltenham look the more solid outfit and United's distribution once again looked poor. Only when support came from the back did they look dangerous and a Peter Clark raid down the left fed Durnin but his shot was blocked by a well organised and disciplined Town rearguard.

The goal that hadn't looked all that likely came on 62 minutes. The ball broke in midfield to Mark Yates, who advanced on goal and shot from 25 yards. The ball appeared to deflect off Shaun Teale and it seemed to deceive Weaver, who got a hand to it but couldn't hold it and it flew into the net. United made an immediate change with Graham Anthony coming on for Damon Searle, much to the crowd's annoyance.

The switch was intended to give United more creativity in midfield, but Anthony was unable to make much of a difference as Cheltenham got behind the ball and defended resolutely. The last throw of the dice for Carlisle was to bring on Richard Tracey for the out of touch Rob Bowman and ultimately this move paid off. Tracey won a corner in the last minute of normal time, the ball was not cleared and Soley, staying onside in the six yard box, swung a boot and diverted the ball into the corner of the net. It was not a great United performance, but the goal brought the crowd to its feet and sets up an enthralling relegation battle at Chester on Saturday.

Al's Verdict : A point which felt like a win as it came with such a late goal. We were by no means as poor as we were against Hull, but then again Cheltenham looked an altogether better side. They played to their strengths and made it very hard for a United team who worked hard but looked like coming out second best. All credit to the lads for battling right up to the finish. With Shrewsbury struggling, this could be a crucial point and we still have four of our last seven games at home. All to play for.

Instead, they fell totally flat as Hull ruthlessly exposed their shortcomings, especially in the supply from the back where City's tall defenders picked up virtually everything. United suffered a pre-game blow when regular goalkeeper Luke Weaver went down with illness and reserve Peter Keen stepped in for only his third start of the season. Ominously, he had conceded 9 goals in his previous two appearances.

The first half was devoid of real chances and United's front two of John Durnin and Steve Halliday toiled to make any headway against the Tigers defence. City goalkeeper Steve Wilson was under-employed as the ball spent too much time in the air.

Disaster struck in the 32nd minute as Richard Prokas stretched to clear a through ball and only managed to poke it over the stranded Keen and into the net. It was a blow from which a lacklustre United never recovered. On the stroke of half-time United failed to cut out the ball on the edge of the box, it was whipped over low at speed and Jason Harris was on hand to drive low into the corner of the net past Keen.

United needed to up their game in the second half but they continued to waste possession with harmless long balls which the visitors soaked up with ease. John Durnin was forced to shoot from 30 yards and the ball flew well wide. A chance of note finally came Carlisle's way as a cross ended up on Steve Soley's foot six yards out but Hull blocked well.

It was all over as a contest in the 77th minute as Harris grabbed his second goal. United again gave the ball away and the tall striker raced on to the pass to go round Keen and find the net from a tight angle. United managed to get a shot on target at last as Richard Tracey put in a useful left footed effort but Wilson got down well to save. Almost immediately Hull broke out of defence at speed, Harris putting the ball across the face of the six-yard box for Steve Morgan to score an easy fourth from close range.

It was the cue for a mass walk-out by disgruntled home supporters, who probably couldn't comprehend what they were watching after the feast of football served up on Tuesday night. The final insult arrived in the closing minutes as substitute Scott Dobie latched on to a mistake by the Tigers defence and attempted to round Wilson but the keeper recovered well and grabbed the ball off his toe. It summed up United's afternoon.

Al's Verdict : Remind me again who the team in blue are ? We were unrecognisable from Tuesday's heroes and it just goes to show how inconsistent we are. A team capable of convincingly defeating promotion contenders goes out a few days later and are thrashed by one of the lowest-scoring teams in the division. It would be unfair to heap blame on poor Peter Keen - he wasn't really to blame for any of the goals. However it's to be hoped that we get Weaver back for Tuesday - we badly need to get back on the winning trail.

United went into the game without skipper Dave Brightwell, who failed a late fitness test on his thigh. Paul Reid moved back into the three-man back line alongside Shaun Teale and Stuart Whitehead.

Carlisle seemed sharper to the ball from the off. Midfield tigers Richard Prokas and Tony Hopper fought hard for possession and John Hollins' Swansea were never able to settle on the ball.

John Durnin had more than a sniff of a chance after he stretched to reach a Searle cross from the left side of the box. He was on his back but couldn't force the ball in and visitors keeper Roger Freestone managed to claim the loose ball. Swansea's best early chance came when Shaun Teale attempted a back pass to Luke Weaver and the ball eluded the keeper and was heading into the net until Weaver scrambled it clear under pressure from Steve Watkin.

United continued to press and the breakthrough arrived eight minutes before half-time. Halliday met a deep cross from Peter Clark on the left wing with an assured nod down and Searle, lurking in the box, swung his left boot and drove home to put the Blues in the driving seat. Halliday broke through shortly after, but delayed his shot and City got back to clear for a corner.

On the stroke of half-time, Swansea had their best chance of the night. United failed to cut out a cross and an unmarked Watkin managed to head over the bar with the goal gaping. They rarely had the chance in the second half to go as close. United battled on and stitched up the three points with a second goal fourteen minutes in.

The ever lively Halliday worked a lovely pass to beat the offside trap and ran to accept the return. He held his nerve beautifully, holding the ball until the last second before unleashing a crashing finish from close range into the roof of the net with Freestone unable to block.

The wonder was whether United would sit back disastrously and let the Jacks back in. It was not to be as Shaun Teale gave another stellar performance and Whitehead was rock solid beside him. Swansea had an off-target effort that flew past Luke Weaver's left hand post but little else worried the young keeper who dealt with crosses commandingly. Substitute Richard Tracey collected a needless booking late on, following a clash with Freestone, but it did little to dent a great night for Carlisle.

All three replacements were used by the coaching team of Martin Wilkinson and Paul Baker, a move primarily designed to waste some time. The crowd of 2,748 once again gave strong backing and United ran out worthy winners.

Al's Verdict : Fan - tastic! We made Swansea look second-rate with a the sort of committed performance that is needed at this vital stage of the season. We've beaten three top six teams in a fortnight - if we keep this up, survival should be no problem. The midfield won all the possession, Halliday was inspired up front and our defence were vastly improved with Teale a total rock. I think we can look forward to another season of league football after this.

Unsurprisingly Martin Wilkinson put his faith in the starting line-up that triumphed at Peterborough in midweek, although Paul Reid was passed fit and named as a substitute after picking up a dead leg against Barnet last Saturday. United brought a noisy travelling army of over 500 supporters, who made the atmosphere seem like a home game for the Cumbrians.

Rochdale shocked United with their first corner bringing them a goal. Mark Monington rose at the far post to head home Tony Ford's kick with Luke Weaver stuck on his line. Carlisle's response came on 14 minutes when they earned their first penalty of the season. Steve Halliday was upended inside the box and Steve Soley stepped up to fire home into the top corner of the net to equalize.

It was end-to-end stuff as Rochdale mounted some dangerous attacks with Carlisle needing to be alert at the back. Veteran Tony Ellis fired in a shot that Weaver claimed with ease. As the rain came down, United had to do more defending. Ford's corners and free-kicks caused them some anxiety. Tony Hooper seemed to be relishing the conditions and he was very busy in midfield for United. In time added on for injuries, another Dale corner brought the second goal. Monington again was up for Ford's kick and unmarked he flicked his header in. Halliday broke up field to try and bring things level but his curling effort was too high.

Carlisle made a determined start to the second half and Steve Halliday was twice through only to be pulled back for offside. United made a change in the 52nd minute with Reid replacing Bowman in a straight swap. Durnin fired in a shot that Monington headed away. Carlisle immediately forced two corners. Disaster struck again though from another Dale corner as Tony Ellis grabbed the third goal, his eleventh of the season.

United amazingly won another penalty in the 72nd minute as Halliday was brought down by Bayliss and Soley once again slotted home the kick. Almost immediately Halliday broke free, beat the bemused Bayliss but put the ball wide as the equalizer beckoned. It was a strong fight back and United's fans were up for it again. A mix-up almost allowed Ellis in as the defence again wobbled but Weaver came out to save the day. United's coaching duo had not given up hope and threw on Richard Tracey, fresh from his hat-trick in midweek for the reserves, for Prokas.

Dale's fifth corner was earned as Dobie replaced John Durnin. It was Dobie who managed to win the header but the ball was pumped back in and came back off the post as Weaver was stranded. Weaver made amends when he saved Graham Lancashire's shot after a good pass from substitute Jason Peake. Soley advanced on goal and his 25-yard effort was grabbed by keeper Neil Edwards after a deflection. Dale's sixth corner almost brought the fourth goal but Hopper cleared Monington's header off the line. Carlisle were commited to attack and Lancashire almost grabbed a goal as his shot flew just wide of the post.

Al's Verdict : Never count your chickens. Just when we thought we had turned the corner, another defensive fiasco costs us three points. The only difference between this game and a lot of others away from home this season was the incredible fact that we were awarded two penalties. Full credit to Halliday who won them both and who had another industrious game. Unfortunately, at corners we were an absolute shambles and for that, we deserved what we got - nowt.

United had to do without Paul Reid, who was missing with a dead leg, so the only change saw Rob Bowman come in for a rare appearance. Bowman slotted into Reid's position in front of the three-man defence.

The home team, with one defeat in eight games, made a bright start with Zak Knight's long throw-ins featuring. Howard Forinton made a dash forward on five minutes but his shot was blocked by Shaun Teale and went out for a throw-in. Carlisle replied with some busy football and John Durnin was involved as he and Steve Soley tried to get the in-form Steve Halliday into the game.

The Posh had another goal attempt as Forinton half-hit a volley but Weaver was well behind it. Posh had to replace Tony Shields with Steve Castle after Shields received a knock in a tackle from Stuart Whitehead. Weaver came out rapidly to rescue a poor back header from Shaun Teale as United continued to hold their own. Soley flicked a header towards goal as United managed a threatening attack but Bart Griemink saved. Out of the blue John Durnin scored a peach of a goal in the 37th minute. The former Pompey player curled a beauty out of Griemink's reach into the top corner. It was against the run of play in fairness but a class act which stunned the home crowd.

Posh hit back with some dangerous forays forward with Dave Farrell looking tricky down the left wing. United's defence looked well organized and at half-time they must have been well satisfied with the situation.

United began the second half positively with Peter Clark prominent. Peterborough hit back as Jason Lee attacked down the middle but Teale made a top tackle. Richard Scott fired in a 30-yarder which was just wide of the target. Lee again made a break and Dave Brightwell was booked for bringing him down. Andy Edwards made a good tackle to rob Halliday as United broke quickly. Another break saw Durnin feed Halliday but Griemink was out to take the ball off him.

Stuart Whitehead got his head to a Peter Clark corner but the ball was off target. United were still holding their shape well and Weaver was in good form. He made a great catch to pull in a Matthew French cross. Almost at once Carlisle went up field and that man Durnin scored an absolutely brilliant goal with a chip over Griemink. Soley fired in a long range effort as the Cumbrians went looking for a third goal but Griemink saved well.

Rob Bowman almost made a name for himself on 73 minutes but his long range effort hit the inside of the post and stayed out. Had it gone in, it would have completed a trio of outstanding goals. Posh were still dangerous and Castle volleyed over the top. Soley's side-footed effort looked set to make it 3-0 but the ball deflected wide.

Peterborough threw everything forward in a last ditch attempt to get back into the game. Edwards headed wide as United's defence held firm and refused to buckle. Damon Searle was the first sub of the night, replacing Richard Prokas. As Peterborough became increasingly desperate, United looked increasingly confident and three priceless points were gained.

Al's Verdict : What can I say? We are a team transformed. Two classic strikes by Johnny 'Lager' Durnin makes it five outstanding goals in just four days. Peterborough are genuine promotion contenders who had lost just once in eight games and we turned them over on their own pitch, just like last season. Defensively, we played like heroes, with Whitehead deserving of the George Cross for his performance. Bowman looked comfortable in Reid's place and the attack look increasingly likely to score. Staying up, staying up, staying up...