Boss Sammy McIlroy said he could not fault his side's effort but admitted their lack of quality in front of goal cost them dearly as the defeat denied the Shrimps a shot at the Canaries but also the chance of a cash windfall of about £100,000 through prize money and TV rights.

The Shrimps dominated for long periods but, as has often been the case this season, failed to turn chances into goals.

He said: "I really can't fault the lads for their effort and commitment but there is no doubt that we needed more quality in front of goal. They gave me everything and we created great opportunities but we just didn't test their goalkeeper enough.

"That was disappointing because everything else about our play was excellent. In difficult conditions we moved the ball about well and created the openings but couldn't put them away and that has been our problem for much of the season. We didn't start well and they showed a bit of quality for the goal but that was their only real chance and it has proved decisive.

"We all wanted to get into the second round to face Norwich. It was a great incentive but it just didn't happen for us.''

The Shrimps found themselves a goal down after just five minutes when winger Joe Anyinsah ran on to a superb ball from the experienced Graham Kavanagh and drilled a stinging shot that gave keeper Barry Roche no chance.

It was the telling moment of a thrilling game which the Shrimps controlled for long periods.

After Anyinsah scored the Shrimps piled forward with Phil Jevons being presented with a good chance on six minutes but his volley off target was a sign of things to come.

Defender Dave Artell headed wide twice from close range after dangerous Craig Stanley corners but the majority of the clear openings fell to Michael Twiss.whose somehow missed the target from six yards out after the Carlisle defence failed to deal with another Stanley corner.

Paul Mullin was also denied by a superb covering tackle from Carlisle skipper Danny Livesey before Phil Jevons saw a free kick tipped over by Lenny Pidgeley.

The half ended with Twiss again failing to get a good enough connection from a right wing cross and the ball failed to cross the line despite a goalmouth scramble which almost saw Garry Hunter score at the far post.

The second half was a similar story as Jevons curled an effort inches wide from the edge of the area before Artell saw a header cleared off the line by Adam Clayton. Twiss missed another golden opportunity moments later when he failed to connect with Mullin's header across goal when he looked set to score.

The Shrimps battled to the death with Stanley fizzing an effort inches wide of the left hand post after a superb move but despite the pressure Carlisle hung on to claim the victory.



Morecambe: Roche 7; Hunter 7, Parrish 7 (rep Duffy 78), Haining 7, Artell 7, Wilson 7; Stanley 8, Twiss 6; Mullin 6 (rep Curtis 64), Jevons 7. Subs not used: Davies, Moss, Adams, McStay, Wainwright.

Booked: Twiss, Stanley, Mullin.

Carlisle: Pidgeley; Keogh, Livesey, Harte, Horwood; Clayton, Taiwo, Kavanagh, Robson; Anyinsah, Pericard. Subs not used: Collin, Dobie, Offiong, Kane, Hurst, Rothery, Burns.

Booked: Clayton.

Ref: J Moss

Star man: Craig Stanley.