CARLISLE came from behind to beat an under-strength Bury side on the opening day of the North West Hockey League season.

The hosts cancelled out James Oakes first-half opener for Bury with two goals in the final 17 minutes – the winner coming with just five minutes to play.

It was a tough insight into life in Division Three for Bury who were missing six key players. Goalkeeper Rob Fogwill was given his debut as a result and he put in a stunning performance to keep Bury in the game right up to the final whistle.

Skipper Tariq Sheikh, Chris McManus and Sameer Sheikh made some telling early blocks and when Carlisle did get shots on target, Fogwill kept them out.

Five minutes before half time, Bury stunned the home side to take the lead against the run of play, Oakes stroking a deflected Simon Major pass high into the net.

Fogwill continued his heroics in the second half but was eventually beaten after his save from a short corner fell at the feet of a Carlisle player.

And the home side claimed the points with the winner from another short corner.

Didsbury Northern will pose another stern test at Castlebrook on Saturday.

There was better news for the seconds, who opened their Division Five North season with a 2-2 draw at home to Wigan.

The visitors took a 2-0 lead with goals either side of the break before strikes from Dominic Lord and last season’s top scorer Joe Ainscow brought Bury level.

The women’s first team did not have a game but the seconds won 2-0 at City of Manchester.