A second-half strike from Hartlepool's Rhys Oates forced Carlisle United to settle for a point.

The Blues took the lead when Jabo Ibehre opened the scoring, although Oates came up with an equaliser for the Monkey Hangers after the restart to boost their bid for Football League survival.

Carlisle could have responded and scored a decisive third goal to claim all three points, but defender Shaun Brisley was twice denied as the Cumbrians were held.

The hosts had the better of the early exchanges at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium but Carlisle opened the scoring on the seventh minute with their first real chance. A quick throw caught out the Monkey Hangers' defence and Ibehre calmly slotted into the bottom corner for his 11th goal of the season.

Carlisle could have doubled their lead before the half hour, with John O'Sullivan doing well to cross. But Hartlepool's Brad Walker was on hand to hack off the line a Jamie Proctor effort on 22 minutes.

There had been a few stoppages throughout the first half with plenty of tackles and challenges coming in. That eventually led to an enforced change for Hartlepool. Kenton Richardson hobbling off and being replaced by Carl Magnay before the interval.

Oates then charged down an attempted clearance by Blues skipper Danny Grainger and slotted past Mark Gillespie to bring the second half to life.

Both sides then could have scored a potentially crucial third goal in the match. But both sides were ultimately forced to settle for a point.

Carlisle United had made two changes from the team beaten 2-1 by Notts County for the derby with Hartlepool.

Luke Joyce came in for Tom Miller, who missed out on the squad through a hamstring injury, while Ibehre replaced Reggie Lambe.

There were also places on the bench for Ben Tomlinson and Macaulay Gillesphey, who was returning from his own long-term injury.

Jason Kennedy was also not involved in the Cumbrians' squad.

Meanwhile, Gary Liddle started against the club he made over 250 appearances for between 2006-12 as the Blues looked to get their League Two play-off push back on track.

Carlisle: Gillespie, Grainger (c), Joyce, Raynes, Proctor (Waring 70), Ibehre, Brisley, Bailey, Devitt, O'Sullivan (Lambe 50), Liddle.

Carlisle unused subs: Gillesphey, Tomlinson, Crocombe, Joachim, Nabi.