Northampton Town 2-2 Carlisle United

The Cobblers twice came from behind to steal a point from Carlisle as Brad Johnson's goal two minutes into injury time halts our recent slump.

Dean Bowditch made his first start since joining on loan from Ipswich Town as Poul Hubertz was dropped to the bench. Ian Henderson dropped back to midfield while Jason Crowe was employed in a central midfield role.

Brad Johnson had the first effort of the game on eight minutes but his shot was blocked before Marc Bridge-Wilkinson had a shot tipped wide at the other end by Mark Bunn. In an open start to the game, Liam Dolman had a shot saved before Bridge-Wilkinson once again went close, this time curling a free kick over the bar.

The visitors had the lead just after the twenty-minute mark when Bridge-Wilkinson made his shot count this time as his free kick beat Bunn this time. But just a couple of minutes later and the Cobblers had their first goal in six league games as Jason Crowe was set up by Dean Bowditch and fired a shot past Kieron Westwood in the Carlisle gal to quickly draw us level.

Ian Henderson had the visiting goalkeeper worried in the Cobblers’ next attack as the former Norwich man hit a free kick that Westwood had to claim at the second attempt but the scores were level at half time.

After a quiet opening to the second half, Carlisle were back in front as Mark Bunn dropped a cross and Joe Garner fired into the unguarded net from close range.

Ryan Gilligan and Poul Hubertz were introduced into the game as the Cobblers looked to find an equaliser.

Carlisle nearly made it 3-1 with fifteen minutes to go as Richard Keogh shot wide of the target before Andy Kirk shot straight at Westwood. Ryan Gilligan forced Westwood into a good save before Liam Dolman headed a corner wide and it looked like we would come out of the game empty handed again.

But two minutes into stoppage time and we were deservedly level as Poul Hubertz did well down the left hand side, crossed and Dean Bowditch dummied for Brad Johnson to fire home.

So the Cobblers end their run of defeats with a good point and now face a tough F.A. Cup Second Round replay date with Walsall on Tuesday night as we look to start turning the season back in our favour.