Aaron Hayden equaliser secures Carlisle point against Swindon

Posted Sunday, February 09, 2020 by PA

Carlisle extended their unbeaten run to five games as they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to League Two leaders Swindon.

The Cumbrians recovered from going behind to an early strike by Rarmani Edmonds-Green for Aaron Hayden to head a second-half equaliser and ensure a share of the points on a windswept afternoon at Brunton Park.

Swindon’s first threat of note produced an 11th-minute goal for Edmonds-Green as the home rearguard failed to deal with Paul Caddis’ right-wing corner and Zeki Fryers was able to set up the close-range chance for Edmonds-Green to force the ball past a defender on the line.

The Robins very nearly had a second goal in the 24th minute when only the alertness of Adam Collin in the home goal prevented Diallang Jaiyesimi from scoring from close range.

It was some time before Carlisle were able to make an attacking contribution but they went close in the 28th minute when Nathan Thomas played the ball through to Harry McKirdy. This time it was the Swindon goalkeeper Steven Benda to the rescue, coming out smartly to foil the forward’s attempt.

Neat work by Mike Jones gave Callum Guy an opportunity to mark his home debut in style, but the former Blackpool midfield man failed to take advantage, slamming his shot well wide from just inside the area.

The blustery conditions led to same scrappy exchanges after the break, but Carlisle got back on level terms in the 62nd minutes when Elliot Watt’s accurate delivery found the head of Hayden who nodded home from six yards.

Admiral Muskwe came on for former Carlisle striker Hallam Hope and the Swindon substitute almost had an instant impact as his close-range drive was blocked by Gethin Jones.

Both sides tried hard for a deciding goal, but in the end Swindon’s point kept them clear at the top of the table while Carlisle continued their steady rise away from the lower reaches.