Match Report

Carlisle United's relegation fears moved one step closer to becoming a reality when rivals-for-the-drop Hereford came to Brunton Park and walked away with a 2-1 win.

It was a game neither side could afford to lose but the Bulls showed composure in front of goal while the Cumbrians missed a number of gilt-edged chances.

Veteran striker Steve Guinan put the visitors ahead on seven minutes when he hammered home from the edge of the box.

Carlisle then had a 20-minute spell when they could have easily gone in front but Graham Kavanagh, Lewis Neal and Danny Graham all failed to hit the net.

Those misses proved costly as Hereford doubled their lead on 24 minutes. Carlisle failed to clear the ball and when Febian Brandy, on loan from Manchester United, fed Guinan, he crossed for Ben Smith to poke home the second.

Michael Bridges then missed a sitter from 12 yards but he made amends on the stroke of half-time, firing into the top corner from 30 yards.

It was the same story in the second half. Carlisle dominated proceedings but could not find the killer instinct. Kavanagh hit the post just after the re-start when Bridges slid him in.

Neal's in-swinging corner was cleared off the line and Graham, Kavanagh and Joe Anyinsah all had good chances.

With just ten minutes remaining, substitute Scott Dobie had a fantastic chance to equalise but somehow missed his header from inside the six-yard box.

Carlisle keeper Ben Williams saved well from Brandy but a chorus of boos was left ringing in the ears of Carlisle boss Greg Abbott as the final whistle sounded.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides