Morecambe staged a brave second-half recovery to earn a 2-2 draw against Carlisle in the first round of the FA Cup.
McIlroy's side reduced to ten men as Drummond sees red
Morecambe staged a brave second-half recovery to earn a 2-2 draw against Carlisle in the first round of the FA Cup.
Goals from veteran Ian Harte and striker Vincent Pericard either side of half-time should have been enough for the Cumbrians.
However Phil Jevons and substitute Mark Duffy struck to secure a replay for the League Two side despite the late dismissal of midfielder Stewart Drummond.
Irishman Harte put the Cumbrians in front in the 21st minute after he stole in between two defenders to head Graham Kavanagh's free kick firmly into the roof of the net from close range.
Vital touch
Sammy McIlroy's side had numerous chances to pull level, but suffered a further setback in the 55th minute when Harte's free-kick into a crowded goalmouth found its way into the net. In true striker's fashion, Pericard claimed the vital touch came off of his head.
Jevons threw the visitors a lifeline in the 70th minute when the former Everton forward volleyed powerfully past Lenny Pidgeley, with the ball flying in off the underside of the bar.
The Shrimps were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Drummond was sent off for a kick on Carlisle substitute Adam Clayton.
With five minutes to go, Duffy tried a shot from 25 yards which beat Pidgeley as it squeezed inside the keeper's right-hand post.
