Promotion rivals Carlisle and Stevenage played out a cagey 0-0 draw in League Two’s match of the day at Brunton Park.

Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians were chasing a fifth successive win but the stalemate dropped the home side out of the top three while Steve Evans’ visitors stay second, six points behind leaders Leyton Orient.

More than 8,000, Carlisle’s third-highest attendance of the campaign, probably expected more from the divisional high-flyers.

Instead, two of the third tier’s highest-scoring teams managed only one shot on target between them.

Carlisle subs Kristian Dennis and Ryan Edmondson, who have 24 goals between them in all competitions, remained on the bench until 25 minutes from time.

But resolute Stevenage were untroubled as they extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

When Carlisle did put the ball in the net Joe Garner’s first-half effort was ruled out for offside.

He headed just over in the second half while Alex Gilbey fired two efforts narrowly wide in retaliation.