WREXHAM RESERVES slipped to another defeat this afternoon as they went down 3-1 at Carlisle United.

The good news was that Andy Dibble played for the planned 60 minutes before being replaced by Ryan Harrison, the big keeper seemed to cope well with his first piece of competitive action since damaging his thigh muscles at Sheffield Wednesday on January 3.

Triggering off a goalkeeping crisis at the club which has seen four different players take over between the sticks since.

Playing behind a very young line-up, Dibbs conceded a goal in the first half before Marc Williams pulled the Reds level going into the half time break.

Coach Joey Jones was disappointed by his side's second half showing, during which time they conceded a further two goals.

United's Kevin Henderson had the first chance of the afternoon, when he broke down the left and sent a good cross field ball to Ferris on the right wing, Hendo continued his run as Ferris carried the ball forward and sent a return into the box but keeper Andy Dibble was able to gather Henderson's shot at the second attempt.

Henderson again was provider minutes later when he sent a super ball into the box as both Ferris and Murray ran in to the area, but somehow the ball eluded them and ran out of play. Not content with feeding others, Henderson broke clear and shot high over the bar and had his next fierce attempt pushed over the bar by Dibble. The resulting corner was easily gathered by the experienced keeper.

On 22 minutes Henderson finally made the break through. A wayward pass by a Wrexham midfielder fell into his path, just outside the box, he ran forward and shot low, Dibble managed to dive down only to parry the shot back to the striker, who calmly placed the ball into the empty net.

Although United had the lion's share of the play, Wrexham were, at times, given room to pass the ball and made the most of their opportunities. Matty Glennon was forced to make a top class save when Marc Williams was gifted the ball 20 yards out, his fierce shot was parried for a corner which was cleared.

Wrexham equalised just before half time when United failed to clear the danger in the box and the ball dropped to Mackin on the right of goal, Glennon did well to parry the shot, but only as far as Marc William on the left post who fired into the unguarded net.

Half time 1-1

Minutes into the second half, Harris felt the full force of a tackle by Henderson and had to leave the field to be replaced by Evans, Henderson receiving a yellow card.

United regained the lead on 54 minutes when Ferris picked up the ball in his own half and carried it down the right wing before putting a great cross into the box, picking out Henderson, who's fierce header gave Dibble no chance.

On the hour mark, Dibble, returning to his side after injury, was replaced by Harrison and with a quarter hour to go, Martin Graham came on for James Earl. United were dominating the game in the second half, a corner taken by Martin Graham was headed towards goal by Dan Kirkup and was pushed over the bar by Harrison.

Murray had the ball in the net only for the referee to discount the goal for pushing on the keeper, while shots by Murray and Henderson each rebounded off the post.

As the game went into the last ten minutes Murray was replaced by Bainbridge. With three minutes to go Henderson and Ferris again were instrumental in finding the net. Henderson shielded the ball at the corner flag before dragging the ball back to Ferris who, again, put in a great cross, this time for Grand on the far post to head home.

Carlisle United: Glennon, Andrews, Shelley, Grand, Kirkup, Gardiner, Ferris, Dillon, Henderson, Murray (Bainbridge), Earl (Graham).
Subs: Bradley, Barr,

Wrexham: Andy Dibble (Ryan Harrison 60), Simon Spender, Mike Williams, Graham Roche, Gareth Evans, Levi Mackin, Mark Harris (Chris Evans 55), Kieran Quinn, Jamie Reed, Marc Williams, Matty Done.
Subs: Phil Gray, Kev Williams.

(Match Report CUFC)