Carlisle United goalkeeper Archie Mair made a decisive intervention when he saved a penalty from Salford City’s Ryan Graydon during their FA Cup first round match at Brunton Park. The save came in the 36th minute with the score still 0-0 and helped Carlisle hold on to a narrow 1-0 victory over the National League side.
David Ajiboye scored the only goal of the game shortly after the penalty save, securing Carlisle’s progression to the second round of the competition. The victory extended Carlisle’s unbeaten run to eight games and marked their fifth win in a row this season as they continued to build momentum.
Mair, 25, who has been second-choice to Adam Desbois in League Two, relished the chance to make an impact. Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria after the match, he said, “There’s nothing better for a goalkeeper than saving a penalty. It’s like scoring a goal for us.” He added that in the moment it was difficult to enjoy, but afterwards the feeling was “lovely” and he was delighted with his contribution.
This was Mair’s first appearance since the season’s opening day in August, when Desbois arrived at Carlisle and took over the starting spot. The Scotland-born keeper acknowledged the challenge of not playing regularly but said he kept his focus on training and supporting the squad. “It’s tough as, especially at the start of the season, I was hoping to play,” he said. “Obviously it’s not gone that way but I’ve just kept my head down and tried to train well and be good around the group and perform when I get the chance, and thankfully I’ve managed to do that.”
Carlisle now look ahead to the FA Cup second round draw, where they hope to face clubs from the Premier League and Championship for the first time in seven years. Mair said the team is ready for whoever they draw. “Whoever we get, we’ll fancy our chances on the day to get into round three,” he said.
The win over Salford City marked a significant moment in Carlisle’s season, as they continue to build confidence under their current manager and aim to improve their standing in League Two. Mair’s penalty save stood out as a highlight in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way before Ajiboye’s decisive strike.
According to Yahoo Sports.
