Athletic fought back from a one goal deficit to claim a deserved point from the match at Carlisle United. The Brunton Park team took the lead just before half-time after Daniel Jones was sent off when he gave away a penalty for bringing down Cleveland Taylor. Joe Royle considered the decision to be "slightly harsh" but Jones will face an automatic ban and will now miss the Easter Monday game at home to Crewe Alexandra. Neal Eardley (pictured) did the damage for ten man Athletic when he fired home his first goal of the season in the last minute of the game.Royle described his team's performance as "industrious and honest" and he told Latics World, "When Daniel Jones was sent off you think 'here we go again' because we've had too many red cards and penalties against us this season. But we kept at it and deserved a point in the end because we passed the ball better. Sean Gregan just kept heading the ball, Neal Eardley was on top form again and Paul Black was excellent. I'm pleased for the fans, too. They made a long journey north and were away in the corner getting wet. It's always nicer to come home with something."
"Carlisle were always going to hit us on the break with the spare man when we switched to three at the back in the second half. It was a risk we had to take because we needed a goal, and that risk paid off in the end. We're still looking for that win and the hunt goes on. We need a win and it'd be nice to get it at home. But it won't be easy - Crewe are a more direct side these days and we will have to be brave enough to get the ball down and pass it."