Carlisle United held Scottish Premiership side Rangers to a draw in a behind closed doors friendly on Monday afternoon.
The game against the Scottish heavyweights was just as much about player development as it was gaining confidence and the Cumbrians would put out a strong side for the fixture.
Less can however be said about the Rangers side, however it did feature multiple players who have made appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Taylor Charters would put Carlisle ahead but a Thompson Ishaka strike in the second half would ensure that the spoils would be shared in Scotland. Carlisle boss Paul Simpson would’ve been given plenty of pointers from the match, which could well impact his future team selections.
Carlisle are in an awful spell of form currently and sit at the foot of the League One table. Now 13 points off of safety with just 14 games left to be played, it looks as if it’s mission impossible for Simpson’s side.
Their chances have not been helped by the fact that they have lost each of their last seven games, a period which has seen them leak 19 goals in the process. Having been promoted via the League Two play-offs last season, it looks highly likely that the Blues will be going back down to the fourth tier at the first opportunity.
Despite their on pitch performances being nothing short of abysmal currently, there is plenty of positivity off of it with the takeover of the club by the Piatak family bringing needed financial funds. Those funds will be utilised in the summer as at this point, Carlisle may well be preparing for next season in League Two already.
Nine of the starting eleven have appeared for the Blues this season in League One and it was by no means a side which lacked experience. Some confidence can be taken from the draw but they’d still struggle to land a killer blow.
Back to back away visits to Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion may well be season-ending if Carlisle are unable to gain a win from either of the two in league action.
Writer’s View
Given the strength and experience in the side which was put out, a win would’ve been expected from Carlisle. The friendly perhaps epitomises their season with their inability to both land a killer blow as well as to see out a game once again highlighted.
Anything less than three points against Bristol Rovers on Saturday will all but send them down, and maybe at this point, Paul Simpson might be feeling the pressure.
Senior Editor