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Salford's play-off hopes dashed following a draw at Carlisle

Salford's play-off hopes dashed following a draw at Carlisle

A determined Salford team made a strong comeback, but it wasn't enough to secure a spot in the League Two play-offs after a 2-2 draw against Carlisle, who were already relegated, at Brunton Park.

Carlisle, managed by Mark Hughes, quickly took a two-goal lead with goals from Stephen Wearne and Matty Dennis in the opening 17 minutes.

Salford managed to pull one back before halftime with a goal from their leading scorer Cole Stockton, and Hakeeb Adelakun netted the equalizer. However, the team fell short of clinching a play-off spot due to results in other matches.

Despite Salford having the first significant opportunity, Carlisle's goalkeeper Gabe Breeze made an impressive save to deny Stockton after a swift attacking move from the visitors.

Carlisle broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Wearne scored from a pass by Sean Fusire. Dennis then extended the lead a minute later by converting a cross from Jack Ellis.

Salford narrowed the gap in the 36th minute with Stockton heading in a free-kick from Ben Woodburn.

The visitors leveled the score just over an hour into the game with a well-placed shot from Adelakun following a pass from Kelly N’Mai.

Georgie Kelly had a late opportunity to secure victory for Carlisle, but Matthew Young made a crucial save to deny him.