On September 29, 2012, Carlisle United faced Crawley Town in a League One match at Brunton Park. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing resilience and fighting back from deficits to earn a share of the points.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Carlisle United: 2 (Danny Cadamarteri 26′, James Berrett 86′ (pen.))
- Crawley Town: 2 (Billy Clarke 15′, Hope Akpan 51′)
- Possession:
- Carlisle United had 54% possession, while Crawley Town had 46%. Carlisle enjoyed slightly more control of the ball, particularly in the first half, but Crawley Town’s counter-attacking play was effective.
- Shots:
- Carlisle United registered 10 shots, with 5 on target, reflecting their attempts to press for a win at home. Crawley Town had 9 shots, with 4 on target, showing their efficiency in creating and converting chances when they came.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Carlisle United had a passing accuracy of 78%, completing 310 passes out of 398 attempts. Crawley Town’s passing accuracy was slightly lower at 75%, completing 276 passes out of 368 attempts. Both teams played with intent, but also faced challenges in maintaining possession under pressure.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Carlisle United made 15 tackles compared to Crawley Town’s 18, indicating Crawley’s determination to disrupt Carlisle’s play and regain possession. Defensively, both teams were tested, particularly during key moments of the match when momentum shifted.
- Set Pieces:
- Crawley Town opened the scoring through Billy Clarke, who finished from close range after a defensive lapse by Carlisle. Danny Cadamarteri equalized for Carlisle with a well-taken shot from inside the box. Crawley regained the lead early in the second half with a goal from Hope Akpan, who finished off a quick counter-attack. Carlisle’s second equalizer came late in the game when James Berrett converted a penalty after a foul in the box.
- Individual Performances:
- Danny Cadamarteri was influential for Carlisle United, scoring the first equalizer and creating several chances. James Berrett was also key, holding the midfield and calmly converting the late penalty. For Crawley Town, Billy Clarke was a constant threat, scoring the opening goal, while Hope Akpan’s goal highlighted his impact in the midfield.
- Tactical Overview:
- Carlisle United employed a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on wide play and maintaining pressure on Crawley’s defense. Crawley Town used a 4-4-1-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. The tactical battle was evenly matched, with both teams having periods of dominance.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team. Carlisle United’s Danny Livesey and Crawley Town’s Claude Davis were booked for tactical fouls aimed at stopping counter-attacks and breaking up play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Carlisle United won 6 corners compared to Crawley Town’s 5, reflecting their sustained pressure, particularly in the first half. Both teams were caught offside twice, showing their attempts to push the defensive lines and create opportunities.
Summary
The 2-2 draw between Carlisle United and Crawley Town at Brunton Park was a well-contested match that saw both teams show resilience in battling back from deficits. Crawley Town took the lead through Billy Clarke, but Carlisle quickly responded with a goal from Danny Cadamarteri. Hope Akpan restored Crawley’s lead early in the second half, only for Carlisle to equalize late in the match through a James Berrett penalty.
Carlisle had more possession and created several chances, but Crawley’s effective counter-attacking play and defensive discipline ensured they left with a point. Both teams demonstrated their ability to respond to setbacks, and the result was a fair reflection of the balance of play.
The match was significant for both teams as they sought to establish consistency in their League One campaigns. While Carlisle would have been disappointed not to secure a home victory, Crawley Town showed their strength in bouncing back from pressure situations, earning a valuable away point. The draw left both teams in the middle of the League One table, looking to build on this performance in the following fixtures.
