Shrimps' system didn't malfunction

The Shrimps went behind to Jamie Devitt’s early free-kick before Callum Lang’s 10th goal of the season brought them on level terms moments before the half-hour mark at the Globe Arena.

Both sides had chances to turn one point into three as the point more or less secured Morecambe’s League Two status for another season and ended their visitors’ hopes of a play-off place.

“It was a good game though we got a bit caught between freshening up, going big and strong or picking footballers,” Bentley said .

“It’s been one of the hardest teams to pick in terms of trying to out-think Carlisle and where their strengths are as well as where ours are.

“We knew they wanted to try and win it but I thought we were excellent; we started well, passed it well and there was a change in formation which worked for us.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game; we looked at their teamsheet and thought we were going to get caught out with regards to height and power – but I think we did well with battles as well as first and second balls.

“Going the other way, I thought we had the upper hand and were unfortunate to be a goal down but it was a great strike by Devs (Jamie Devitt).

“There were two critical errors in terms of the fouls we gave away on the edge of our box but, thankfully, it wasn’t 2-0.

“We bounced back and I was really pleased; credit should go to the lads as, like Chesterfield on Tuesday night, Carlisle had to change something and they went with the diamond in midfield after bringing Luke Joyce on.

“I think they had the upper hand in the second half and they had chances – but we had chances as well with Callum Lang going through.

“Then it went straight up the other end and it was all hands to the pump.”

The all-action game, one which saw both sets of players exhausted at full-time, was witnessed by the highest attendance at the Globe Arena this season.

A crowd of 3.319 was in attendance with more than 1,800 making the journey from Cumbria and providing vociferous backin g.

“The Carlisle fans really got behind their team but the Morecambe fans were excellent as well, “ Bentley said.

“It was an eventful game and a good battle; at times we were on top and at times they were on top.

“We’ll take the point; it could have been three, it could have been none, but we move on to the next game.”