Embarrassing Notts County ripped apart by Carlisle United

One step forward, two steps back. Notts County’s exhilarating win against Newport last week and a decent away point at Wycombe in midweek were quickly forgotten as the Magpies were picked apart by Carlisle United at stand-in ground Deepdale, home of Preston North End, in a 3-0 defeat.

The disappointment began early for the black and white faithful as, just five minutes in, Jason Kennedy was upended by Graham Burke in the box to gift the designated hosts a penalty, which captain Danny Grainger thumped down the middle to give his side the lead.

Jabo Ibehre, the Cumbrians’ biggest threat with 10 goals in 13 games prior to kickoff, doubled their lead shortly before half-time, converting an easy volley when unmarked after Michael Raynes had helped on a Mark Ellis long throw.

Carlisle stepped up the pressure after the restart as Mike Edwards, who played for the day’s opponents in between spells at Notts, made a vital close-range block as Ibehre looked certain to score during a heavy spell of pressure.

The visitors almost grabbed an equaliser through Burke, but his 20-yard shot hit the post, and moments later, Mark Gillespie made a fine save to keep out Jon Stead's header.

The big frontman then grabbed his 14th goal of the season in the 59th minute, lashing home from 12 yards after the Magpies defence had failed to deal with Grainger's cross, and killed off the game as the Carlisle fans celebrated a comprehensive win.