It was nail-biting stuff in the end (when isn't it with the Blues?) but it was a richly deserved three points for Carlisle and the most relieved man at the end had to be Roddy Collins, who has been under pressure this week for his team selection and decision to axe nine players.

His choice for this match certainly must have had people scratching their heads. Dave Morley and Stuart Whitehead, normally a central defensive pairing, were a midfield partnership and young Lee Andrews came into central defence with debutant Dave Rogers. Chay Hews made his full debut on the right of midfield. It was Roddy who had the last laugh though as the Cumbrians had a splendid first half.

They almost scored within 20 seconds of the start. A poor pass-back almost let in Richie Foran who failed to capitalise as York keeper Alan Fettis saved with his legs. Carlisle forced three early corners and were getting well on top. On 15 minutes Foran turned sharply and fired over the bar. Then a Mark Birch cross forced a corner. From the kick by Hews, Whitehead headed wide. Both he and Morley were very influential.

York had hardly threatened but on 22 minutes on-loan striker Michael Proctor fired narrowly wide as they started to come into the game. United won a free-kick just outside the box. Morley cleared the wall with his effort but Fettis saved with comfort. A minute after this Foran had the ball in the net but was adjudged offside.

Brendan McGill's cross found Foran heading into the arms of Fettis again. McGill then crossed and there was a big shout for handball against Proctor but the referee waved away appeals. Finally on 34 minutes the breakthrough arrived. The nippy Foran broke the offside trap, Fettis came out, but Foran's shot came off the keeper and went in off the cross-bar. Carlisle were good value for the lead but York still looked sporadically dangerous. Ex-CUFC favourite Darren Edmondson seeing his shot blocked after an adventurous run by the pacy Marc Salvati.

Terry Dolan made a double switch at the start of the second half, bringing on Matt Hocking and Richard Cooper for Nick Richardson and Micheal Basham. However it was the home supporters cheering less than 3 minutes in as Carlisle moved two goals clear. Andrews made a good tackle, McGill got in a cross, Foran drove powerfully at Fettis who could only parry and Aussie trialist Hews was on hand to tap in a goal on his home debut.

A two-goal lead can be a dangerous one to have and York reminded United they were still in a game as Proctor shot over the bar. Foran and Morley combined well to force a corner and from the resulting kick Morley headed wide. The big man was taking to his midfield role like a duck to water. A complete contrast to his performance at Cheltenham.

Foran was a handful and on 61 minutes he produced good skill to fashion an opening but shot at the keeper when a cross would have been the best option. Foran's failing is that he is too greedy. Within a minute it was very much game on again. Birch attempted to shepherd a ball out of play, it was nipped off him back into the area and Salvati had an open goal to aim at. He needed the help of a post but he succeeded in pulling a goal back for the Minstermen.

Suddenly the game seemed less comfortable for Roddy Collins's men. Edmondson went into the book after a tangle with Foran and Foran got a daft booking as the visitors visibly upped the tempo and sensed a chance to get right back into the game. Foran had to make a defensive header as United battled well as a team to hang on to their precious advantage. City looked a more capable team and there were anxious moments as the game moved into its closing stages. Andrews made another great tackle to deny York as they advanced on goal again and with five minutes left United could have sealed it. Halliday got clear and chipped Fettis but the ball cleared the bar. Andrews had to make another great challenge to foil a York break inside stoppage time. The youngster was outstanding and Collins was jumping for joy at the final whistle.

Al's Verdict : Relief all round. A deserved victory although it was a typically nervy finish. Foran is starting to repay that transfer fee and Roddy Collins's seemingly eccentric team selections have finally come good. Whether Morley and Whitehead are now re-invented as midfielders is hard to say. I fully expect another four changes for the Lincoln game knowing Collins. Still, it's a win and that should do wonders for the boys' confidence.