Tom Peterson and Ben Cartwright both found the net in the first of Fleetwood’s doubleheader at Carlisle
Tom Peterson and Ben Cartwright both found the net in the first of Fleetwood’s doubleheader at Carlisle.
The young Cod Army fought back from behind to go 2-1 up in Cumbria, but Patrick Brough’s late equaliser denied them the three points.
Town travel to Carlisle again on Saturday for the semi-finals of the Youth Alliance Cup – Northern Section, and will take heart from their performance following a 5-0 defeat to Macclesfield at the weekend.
Carlisle took the lead inside the opening 20 minutes when Cod goalkeeper Oliver Martin kicked the ball off the back of striker Alex Salmon, who then beat Martin to the ball and tapped it into an empty net.
Richard Wright came closest for Fleetwood before half-time, when his effort rattled the Carlisle crossbar.
The young Cod Army came out stronger in the second-half, and pulled themselves level through Peterson just minutes after half-time.
Cartwright then put Town 2-1 ahead moments later, and the visitors looked set to take the points back home.
A late goal by Brough, against the run of play, earned Carlisle a draw, but academy manager Steve Carlin was pleased despite conceding at the end.
He said: “It was a great performance from the boys, which sets us up nicely for the cup game here on Saturday.
“We’ll get the lads on the training pitch over the next few days to get them ready and keep them sharp for the big game.”
