Carlisle United were forced to settle for a point at home to play-off rivals Stevenage after a 1-1 draw.

The Boro took the lead from the penalty spot, before in-form Jabo Ibehre earned the Blues a share of the spoils.

In a fairly uneventful opening half hour, the best chance fell to United captain Danny Grainger who fired over the crossbar.

Just before half-time, Michael Raynes glanced inches wide with a header from a Jamie Devitt corner.

The sides went in at the end of a goalless first half, with Carlisle having looked the more likely to break the deadlock.

Stevenage took a surprise lead five minutes after the restart. Reggie Lambe was adjudged to have fouled Kgosi Ntlhe, with Steve Schumacher converting the penalty in style.

The Boro could have doubled their lead. But Mark Gillespie made a big save to deny Schumacher.

Carlisle equalised on the 72nd minute when Jamie Proctor crossed for in-form Ibehre to find the net again for the third time in three game.

But neither team could find a winner.

Defender Macaulay Gillesphey had returned to Carlisle United's starting line-up.

The Newcastle United loanee, 21, took the place of Shaun Brisley in one of two changes from Friday's draw at Hartlepool.

The other change in the starting line-up saw Reggie Lambe come in for John O'Sullivan.

Nicky Adams also was fit enough to return to Keith Curle's side's bench.

Meanwhile, Stevenage's top scorer Matt Godden missed out through injury as the two play-off rivals locked horns at Brunton Park.

Carlisle: Gillespie, Grainger (c), Joyce, Raynes, Proctor, Gillesphey (Tomlinson 82), Ibehre, Bailey (Adams 68), Devitt, Lambe (O'Sullivan 66), Liddle.

Carlisle unused subs: Crocombe, Brisley, Waring, Nabi.