A Graham Kavanagh thunderbolt earned Carlisle a point as they drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers.

Veteran midfielder earns a point for Cumbrians

Graham Kavanagh's long-range thunderbolt earned Carlisle a point as they drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. Goalkeeper Ben Williams was also the home side's hero with two stunning saves which kept out efforts by Jeff Hughes and Darryl Duffy. Carlisle's brisk start had Rovers on the back foot and the Cumbrians took a spectacular fourth-minute lead through veteran midfielder Kavanagh, who cracked in a tremendous right-footed strike from 30 yards. However, Carlisle were unable to maintain their advantage and Rovers drew level in the 13th minute when Ryan Green played the ball forward for Hughes on the right-hand side of the penalty area. Hughes cut inside and, as the defence opened up, lashed the ball into the roof of the net from 10 yards. Both sides had chances to claim all three points after the break, but a combination of wasteful finishing and fine goalkeeping ensured the spoils were shared.