Miller eases Cumbrians' worries

Carlisle eased their relegation worries on Tuesday with a 1-0 home win over a Bradford side also struggling for confidence.

The one bright spark provided by Lee Miller was enough to clinch the points although Carlisle made hard work of it as City dominated large stretches of the game after the break without managing to break through. It was skilful improvisation by Miller that gave Carlisle their 14th minute lead. The City defence made a hash of dealing with James Berrett's corner from the right and as the ball dropped on the six yard line Miller, with his back to goal, produced an overhead shot to find the net. Carlisle had most of the first half possession and it was not until the half hour that Bantams tested on loan Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who parried Adam Reach's powerful shot after the wide man had cut in from the right. Carlisle could have doubled their lead straight after half time when David Amoo turned defence into attack, picking up a clearance and breaking from halfway, only to lose control of the ball inside the area with the goal in his sights. The home side had to withstand mounting pressure from a Bradford side looking to end a run of 12 games since a win, but Pickford dealt with a Gary Jones effort at the second attempt and Aaron McLean fired over after moving in dangerously from the left. When McLean pulled a snap shot wide in added time it summed up Bantams' frustration.