What is the definition of futility? Bringing out a set of stepladders when you've already got a 6ft 9in goalkeeper close at hand...

Carlisle United's Tomas Holy turned his hand to a spot of DIY midway through the first half of the Blues' 0-0 draw at Mansfield Town.

The game was held up when part of the netting came unattached from the goalposts and crossbar.

When red Sam Allison called a brief halt to proceedings, two members of Mansfield staff made a beeline for the goal at Carlisle's end.

News and Star: Holy gets to work on the repair jobHoly gets to work on the repair job (Image: Richard Parkes)

A third then materialised, carrying a set of ladders - which were not needed.

That's because the Blues' big Czech No1 took matters into his own hands, towering above the Stags staff as he reached to the crossbar with no difficulty and performed a repair job.

News and Star: The top left section of the net can be seen to have come apart from the post and crossbarThe top left section of the net can be seen to have come apart from the post and crossbar (Image: Richard Parkes)

Holy's handiwork stayed intact - as did his goal throughout the 90 minutes, as he and the Blues kept Mansfield at bay.

News and Star: Holy gets the job done...Holy gets the job done... (Image: Richard Parkes)