On loan Plymouth winger Dan Smith put himself in the frame for a first team start at Barnet on Saturday, with a promising Morecambe debut and played the full 90 minutes, producing some good moments especially in the first half of this entertaining fixture.

Craig Stanley also staked a claim for a return to the Shrimps side with an influential display in the middle of the park.

Defender Henry McStay gave the Shrimps the lead with a superb free kick in the 28th minute. McStay tried his luck from 20 yards out and produced a superb curler to beat Chris Howarth in the Carlisle goal.

Craig Stanley then drove over minutes later before Carlisle produced their first effort on goal when the experienced Michael Bridges produced an excellent overhead kick which Scott Davies did well to tip away low to his left.

McStay had a chance to double the Shrimps' advantage early in the second half when Aaron Taylor was bundled over in the box for a clear penalty. McStay stepped up confidently but placed his effort wide of the post.

Carlisle then came into the game with Davies again producing a fine save to deny Scott Dobie who looked odds on to score.

Gary Madine then wasted a glorious chance to level the scores after being played through by former Manchester United midfielder Ronnie Wallwork.

Davies then saved well again from a Jeff Smith free kick before the Cumbrians did hit the target with a close range Richard Keogh header.

Morecambe always looked threatening at set pieces with Stanley driving in some excellent dead balls and it came as no surprise when they took the lead after a free kick wide on the left.

Stanley was the provider once more as Taylor nipped in between defender and keeper at the near post to put the Shrimps 2-1 up after 77 minutes.

Carlisle pushed forward to the end and equalised at the death when Grant Smith slotted home a penalty after Sean Richards had handled on the line.

Morecambe: Davies, Jackson, Richards, McStay, Bell; Stanley, Poole, McLachlan, Smith; Twiss, Taylor. Subs: Barnes, Scott, Preston, Bell, Stone.

Carlisle: Howarth, Joyce, Duffy, Smith, Keogh; Gowling, Madine, Smith, Wallwork; Bridges, Dobie. Subs: Tinnion, Mitchell, Aldred, Cook, Blake.