Cumbrians keep on going

09 November 2010 22:30
Last year's beaten finalists Carlisle got back on the Wembley trail with a 3-1 Johnstone`s Paint Trophy victory over Crewe. However, they made it hard for themselves after apparently being in cruise control midway through the second half. Carlisle dominated the early stages, and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of a Clayton Donaldson error. Matty Robson swung in a dangerous free-kick from the right and the Crewe forward`s attempted clearance flew past his own keeper. Ironically Donaldson had the two best chances of the first half, and should have at least put Crewe back on level terms. Carlisle were shaken into action, and a minute before half-time Gary Madine hit a post from Robson's cross. Once more Crewe were saved by a matter of inches when on-loan Leeds forward Mike Grella saw his shot from 12 yards bounce clear off the underside of the crossbar. Carlisle doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute when Murphy headed James Berrett's right-wing corner home from six yards. Crewe snatched a goal back in the 75th minute when Donaldson slammed a first-time shot past Adam Collin after Byron Moore had nodded Ashley Westwood's ball into his path. However, man-of-the-match Peter Murphy thumped a header past Rhys Taylor with five minutes remaining to settle the Cumbrians' nerves.

Source: PA