Carlisle United boss Mike Williamson on Harrogate Town draw

The Blues were frustrated not to claim a much-needed win despite dominating much of the game at Brunton Park.

But head coach Williamson was pleased with how his side bounced back from the previous week’s poor display at AFC Wimbledon.

“We asked the boys for a reaction and we certainly got that,” he said, after Luke Armstrong’s equaliser cancelled out Matty Daly’s opener.

“We dominated the game of football from start to finish.

“Based off that and the amount of shots and 18-yard box entries we had, we're disappointed we didn't win because we know how valuable the points are.

“But based off the performance, it was chalk and cheese from last week and I'm really pleased on that.”

Carlisle came close in the first half through Harrison Biggins’ free-kick which hit the bar, and United were on top throughout before Daly hit them with a counter-attacking goal.

Armstrong quickly equalised against his former club but Carlisle were unable to capitalise in the second half.

“We take away from it the character they've shown and the courage they've shown to play,” added Williamson.

“Obviously, the result and the performance last week was disappointing, but they've shown that they've brushed it off.

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“We're going to have blips and that's going to happen. We've got to face that, but we're looking for positivity. I thought the boys did everything they could and it just didn't come off.”

Luke Armstrong's goal earned Carlisle a point (Image: Ben Holmes)

On United’s response to conceding, Williamson added: “In terms of the response, I thought we were on top before, so we continued the way we were playing and with that momentum.

“Obviously, we've got the goal, so everyone thinks the response was quick, but the fact is that, for me, that was pretty much the whole game – over 90 minutes, we controlled it.

“There were a couple of lapses in concentration and we allowed them to get the goal and to enter our 18-yard box, which is going to happen.

“We've got to respect that because they [Harrogate] are a very good team, but there's a lot to take away for us.”

Carlisle forced a number of chances but Williamson conceded that they did not work visiting keeper James Belshaw enough.

“I thought we got into their 18-yard box and just missed the target. In terms of chances, I thought we had some good chances, but on another day, we comfortably score three goals,” he said.

“I think our xG [expected goals] was very high, but all we can ask and all we can try and coach them is to get into these areas, and then I'll never criticise them for missing chances, because nobody wants to miss – but I'm really pleased with the reaction and the performance.”

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In certain moments Carlisle had to battle to avoid a late sucker-punch, a vital Harrison Neal challenge denying Harrogate sub Sam Folarin.

Williamson added: “You want to be hard to beat. I thought we were the instigator of our own downfall in certain periods, but we'll never question the heart and the determination and that desire.

“We've seen it numerous times now, players throwing their body on the line and doing everything they possibly can. They're a committed group of lads.”

United's owners, the Piataks, with guests from Jacksonville (Image: Ben Holmes)

The action unfolded in front of an 8,297 crowd, Brunton Park’s second-highest attendance of the season, as fans responded to a £10 ticket offer.

Also at the game were seven tourism and civic officials from Jacksonville, the home city of United’s owners the Piatak family, amid discussions at strengthening the relationship between Jacksonville, Carlisle and the Blues.