Carlisle stun Harrogate 3-0 despite two red cards as Weaver admits embarrassment
Carlisle United beat in-form Harrogate Town 3-0 in the National League despite having two midfielders sent off inside the first 30 minutes, drawing contrasting reactions from Rob Elliot and Simon Weaver.
Carlisle United produced a remarkable 3-0 National League win over Harrogate Town at Brunton Park despite playing with nine men for the final hour. The visitors arrived in strong form, sitting 10 places and 11 points above Carlisle and on a five-game winning run, but the match turned after Carlisle took an early lead.
Carlisle's task worsened when former Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez was sent off after 14 minutes, and fellow midfielder Harvey Bunker followed with a straight red card on 30 minutes, leaving the hosts two players light against the side second in the table. Rather than collapse, Rob Elliot's team added to their lead immediately after half-time and went on to complete the victory.
Harrogate manager and co-owner Simon Weaver said he felt "embarrassed" by his side's display, accusing them of believing the hype generated by their winning run. He said the visitors fell well below their standards, failed to handle the situation and did not show the required quality on the ball, while giving full credit to Carlisle for a deserved win.
Elliot told BBC Radio Cumbria there was no luck involved and described the performance as superb, saying he was immensely proud. He called it the most incredible game of his playing or managerial career and hoped it would act as a catalyst for his side to build momentum, adding that the display epitomised the passion, heart and desire he wants from the club.
The result leaves Harrogate 10 points behind leaders Boreham Wood ahead of their trip to Forest Green on Saturday, while Carlisle travel to Altrincham the same day, with Elliot's players given an impromptu day off on Thursday.
