Tight game in the north east
A Carlisle United XI travelled across to the north east to face a Middlesbrough XI this afternoon for a very good game of football which was decided by a free kick in favour of the Cumbrians early in the second half.Assistant manager Graham Kavanagh took charge of the Cumbrian reserve side and the visitors edged their way in front with just 10 minutes on the clock when Peter Murphy swung a wicked cross into the box. Beck and Cadamarteri challenged for it and their presence forced a touch from a Boro defender which left the keeper stranded as it flew into the net.
Middlesbrough rallied and the score was pegged back to all-square after a nip and tuck first half when a decent 40th minute move caught Carlisle short.
The lead was restored just after the break when Cadamarteri rode two challenges to skip into the area. He was clipped and United were frustrated when the referee signalled a free kick on the edge of the area when it appeared to be a clear penalty decision.
Dave Symington silenced the complaints when he placed the ball down and smashed it through the wall to leave the Boro stopper with no chance.
Both sides continued to create chances but it was United who came away with the victory from what was another very valuable day out for the reserves.
United - Gillespie, Simek, Staunch, Murphy, Minor, Todd, Thirlwell, Welsh, Symington, Beck, Cadamarteri. Subs - Parker, Berwick, Dempsey, Gwinnutt, Salmon.
United goals - og (10), Symington (50)