Manager Keith Curle felt Carlisle United did enough to earn all three points in their 1-1 draw against Hartlepool.

The Blues opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes when Jabo Ibehre found the net for his second goal in his second game since returning from injury.

Carlisle then looked comfortable as they tried to build on their one-goal lead, before Rhys Oates charged down an attempted clearance by Carlisle captain Danny Grainger in the second half and slotted home the equaliser past keeper Mark Gillespie.

Promotion hopefuls United then had some good chances to win the game, with defender Shaun Brisley twice denied when he perhaps should have scored.

And the Cumbrians were made to settle for a point, although they do remain in the play-offs – now with just four league fixtures remaining.

“I think, on chances, it was a derby where it was always going to be close,” said Curle.

“The first goal was important. And then I thought we created enough chances and we were dangerous from set-pieces.

“There were a couple of good saves and good blocks and I think Mark Gillespie had to deal with two shots on target, and they scored with one.

“So, there is a little bit of frustration there because I thought we dealt with their lively attack very well and we looked dangerous.”

Ibehre moved level with Jason Kennedy after his 11th goal of the season.

Curle added: “I thought Jabo was back to his best – a typical goal threat. He was a good physical presence, and I thought that he formed a good partnership with Jamie Proctor in the first half. They caused them lots of problems. We just need to see a little bit more of that.”

Tom Miller missed out through a hamstring injury which could sideline him for a few weeks but Curle confirmed Kennedy, also not in the squad, is being managed back to full fitness.

The Blues welcome play-off rivals Stevenage to Brunton Park on Easter Monday.