Luke Armstrong’s first-half strike against his former club saw United pick up a point on home soil.
There were notable returns to the starting line-up for Callum Guy and Taylor Charters after both midfielders had spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Matty Daly opened the scoring from close range, connecting with a cross from the left, before Luke Armstrong restored parity minutes before half-time.
United started the game at a rapid pace finding themselves through on goal inside 30 seconds, Dominic Sadi was ultimately unable to hit the target.
After returning to the starting line-up in the league for the first time since Good Friday, Taylor Charters had the Blues’ next chance which he hammered just wide of Belshaw’s post.
United came extremely close to breaking the deadlock on nine minutes after Harrison Biggins cannoned an effort from a free-kick off Harrogate’s crossbar.
Before James Daly found himself one v one with Harry Lewis at the opposite end after Jon Mellish misjudged the bounce - United’s ‘keeper was equal to it to keep the score level.
On 23 minutes, Harrogate had their best chance of the game yet as James Daly’s effort was pushed away by Lewis, prior to Mellish reacting brilliantly to make a last ditch challenge to deny Jack Muldoon.
Carlisle continued to apply pressure in the 10 minutes which followed, but were still unable to breach the Harrogate defence.
On 38 minutes, It was the visitors who struck first through Matty Daly, turning home from close range following a cross from the left to the disappointment of the 8,000+ Carlisle faithful in attendance.
Seven minutes later, United were level and it was the former Harrogate man Luke Armstrong who got it. After being played through, the attacker’s initial effort was saved, before converting at the second time of asking which prompted a fine celebration in front of the travelling supporters.
HALF-TIME: United 1-1 Harrogate Town
Mike Williamson’s side started the second 45 on the front-foot as they went in search of the lead.
Sadi had the first big opening ten minutes into the second-half after cutting inside onto his left-foot, but his curling effort landed wide of Belshaw’s far post.
There was a double debut for the Blues on 64 minutes, Callum Guy and Taylor Charters exited the contest following their long-awaited return, they were replaced by Ethan Robson and Tyler Burey - the latter being confirmed as a United player earlier today.
Jasper Moon came close to restoring the visitors’ advantage on 70 minutes after nodding narrowly wide from inside United’s area.
Before Ellis Taylor tried his luck from distance on 75 minutes, also seeing his effort go off target.
As we entered the final ten minutes, United had an unbelievable chance to take the lead as Robson sent a ball over the top to Charlie Wyke, who set Harrison Biggins, but the midfielder was unable to find the back of the net.
The Blues continued to push as time ticked away. Harrison Neal also saw an effort go flying over the bar during the closing stages.
Harrogate stood firm in the time which remained, meaning United were unable to find a way through and the contest ended level at Brunton Park.
FULL-TIME: United 1-1 Harrogate Town
Teams:
Carlisle United - Lewis, Harper, Thomas, Lavelle ©, Guy (64’ Robson), Biggins, Charters (64’ Burey), Neal, Mellish, Sadi (77’ Robinson), Armstrong (76’ Wyke)
Unused subs - Breeze, Vela, Barclay
Harrogate Town - Belshaw ©, Foulds, Moon, Cornelius, M. Daly, J. Daly, Sims, O’Connor, Muldoon (67’ Folarin), Taylor, Dooley
Unused subs - Oxley, Asare, Falkingham, Burrell, Duke-McKenna, March
Goals:
Carlisle United - (44’ Armstrong)
Harrogate Town - (38’ M. Daly)
Match officials:
Referee - Richie Watkins
Assistant Referee - Lewis Raper
Assistant Referee - Matt Archibald
Fourth Official - Ivan Stankovic
Attendance:
8,297 (220 away)
