CARLISLE United bowed out of the FA Cup at the weekend after a 2-1 loss against Michael Flynn's Walsall. Here's how the stats reflect on the result.

Paul Simpson's side missed out on the chance to make the FA Cup round for the first time since 2020 when they faced Cardiff City.

A total of 418 loyal Blues' supporters made the 370 mile round-trip to support their side at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Carlisle got off to the perfect start to the game with Ryan Edmondson giving the travelling side the lead in the 29th minute.

However, two goals from the hosts in a matter of minutes in the games dying embers would break Carlisle hearts and knock the Blues out of the FA Cup.

READ MORE: Carlisle College's first refugee engagement officer supports local asylum seekers

The manner of the defeat suggests that Paul Simpson's team were playing well and fell foul to two late chances, one of which being a gift from Carlisle goalkeeper Tomas Holy who misjudged a bouncing ball and allowed Andy Williams to tap in the Saddlers' equaliser.

When the stats are broken down this is not necessarily the case. What does become apparent is that this was a traditional away-day performance from the Blues' who knicked an early goal and looked to protect what they had.

By doing this =Simpson's side invited Walsall to play and that is what the hosts did, with Michael Flynn's side domineering the post match stats.

In the 90 minutes the Saddlers had 15 shots with six on target to Carlisle's six with three on target. Walsall also had eight corners to Carlisle's three and saw the majority of the ball, with 56% possession.

What has become apparent this season is that Carlisle United have the quality to play against and defeat any opponent, however against Walsall the Blues' game was stifled. 

For example, a low corner count is not something Carlisle want as a side with immense set-piece quality.

In the Blues' last away-day against Salford City, two of their four goals were directly from corners and deliveries from Taylor Charters and Owen Moxon.

Even in the 0-0 draw between Carlisle and Walsall two weeks ago, Simpson's side looked dangerous from corners, with Owen Moxon unlucky to not pick up a handful of assists on that occassion after the quality of the deliveries he was supplying.

What is clear from the stats behind Carlisle United's FA Cup is that the Blues were unable to play their game against Walsall and despite a valiant effort they eventually cracked under the pressure applied by the hosts.

READ MORE: Cumbrian 'big cat' expert disputes latest sighting figures