Pop's point

Carlisle 1, Exeter City 1

CARLISLE took another step towards Third Division safety with a point which took their tally to 17 from the last 12 games. But the Cumbrians who'd taken a first-half lead, must have been relieved to hear the final whistle after live-wire Exeter looked for long periods like pinching both points. equalising on the hour. It was back to the bad old habits for the Cumbrians with mistakes creeping in at the back and the mid- field lacking ideas for long periods. And with Exeter doing fine job of marshalling the talents of Canada-bound Peter Beardsley, Bob Stokpe's men can look on this as a point won rather than one lost. With the wind making it difficult for both sides it was Carlisle who took the lead in the 27th minute. For once they copied their opponents with a swift breakaway attack from defence and Pop Robson's fierce 20-yard shot escaped the diving lan Main. It was Robson's fifth goal in his sixth game since moving across the Pennines. But after the interval Exeter began to show in longer spells just why they boast one of the Third Division's finest away records and it was no surprise when Peter Rogers flicked in a headed equaliser. In the final 10 minutes Carlisle rallied with Pop Robson, playing with all the enthusiasm of a youngster. twice coming near. But the impression was always that if the winning goal was going to be scored it would come from Exeter. And that was perfectly demonstrated with the cheers of relief from the home fans at the final whistle.