Fleetwood Town's Development Squad lost 1-0 to Carlisle United on Tuesday afternoon in the Central League Cup at Poolfoot Farm.
It was a 90th minute goal from substitute Sam Fishburn that was the difference at Poolfoot Farm, which saw Stephen Crainey’s side defeated 1-0 in the first game of the competition.
Fleetwood did have plenty of chances throughout the game to seal the victory, but they failed to capitalise on the number of attempts at goal.
The first big opportunity fell to the hosts. Brendan Wiredu was up from a set-piece and when the ball reached him at the far post, he did everything right bar make the ball cross the line. Credit to the Carlisle United defender for reading the play and clearing it off the line.
Soon after, Max McMillan went through one-on-one with the keeper after Wiredu chipped one over the back-line. With the ball skidding across the surface, the young forward failed to get that touch before the keeper to send him on his way on goal.
The Cumbrian side did have a few chances in the match but didn’t really trouble Tom Donaghy between the sticks during the first 45 minutes.
Will Russ started up top for the Cod Army. The target man was involved in most of Town’s good attacking plays and when he rose the highest in the box from Danny Edwards’ cross, it looked a goal. Once again, there was defender there to block the effort on goal.
Fishburn was the visitors’ main threat and when he went through on goal, you expected him to find the back of the net, however Donaghy had other ideas and made a fantastic save to keep the score level.
Danny Edwards nearly put Fleetwood ahead with his curling effort midway through the second half. After linking up with Carl Johnston down the right, he moved the ball onto his left foot and struck the ball well, only to just see his shot got over the crossbar.
Pharrell Brown came on with twenty minutes left on the clock and made a difference in the final third. The young man latched onto a loose ball after Danny Edwards and Carl Johnston tried to get into the 18-yard box, but Brown just couldn’t keep his shot down to trouble the Carlisle keeper.
With only minutes left on the clock, Fishburn sealed the win. After a lucky break, the ball found a Carlisle attacker down the right flank and with Fishburn lurking at the far post, it was a simple pass which made it easy for the striker to tap home.
Donaghy made a big save with seconds left in the match to keep the score line at just 1-0.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Crainey and his side – who will now focus their attention on their next match against Accrington Stanley, which will take place on Wednesday 14 September at Poolfoot Farm (kick-off at 1pm).