Harriers started with a 4-4-2 formation as Bennett took up position on the left-side of midfield.

After only two minutes Larkin beat his marker on the right and raced away only for his pull-back to be side-footed wide from six yards by the heavily marked Bird.

Broughton was lucky to escape without a caution for two strong challenges on keeper Keen and midfielder Murphy. Drewe Broughton

But the big forward was finally caution on six minutes though it was a harsh yellow card after referee Laws ruled he had lead with his elbow in a aerial challenge with Whitehead.

Broughton was again in the action on 10 minutes, sending a diving heade5r just wide after connecting with Clarkson's right-wing cross.

However, Harrier's defender Smith then did brilliantly to block an effort from Soley as the home side fought back.

Carlisle had an effort disallowed on 21 minutes when Soley headed home a deflected shot from Halliday only to be ruled off-side.