A spirited comeback from Salford was in vain as they missed out on a League Two play-off place after a 2-2 draw with relegated Carlisle at Brunton Park.

Mark Hughes’ Carlisle took a two-goal lead within 17 minutes through tidy finishes from Stephen Wearne and Matty Dennis.

Salford pulled a goal back before the break through top scorer Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun equalised, but it was not enough to secure a play-off spot due to results elsewhere.

The Ammies had the first major chance but Gabe Breeze made an excellent stop early on to keep out a Stockton shot after some fluid attacking play from the visitors.

The Cumbrians then took the lead in the 16th minute through a lovely Wearne finish after he met a Sean Fusire pull-back and calmly slotted home.

A minute later Dennis doubled the hosts’ lead as he tapped home a good cross from Blues full-back Jack Ellis.

Salford pulled a goal back in the 36th minute when Stockton powerfully headed home from a Ben Woodburn free-kick.

The visitors equalised just after the hour mark with a neat finish from Adelakun after a flick back from Kelly N’Mai.

Georgie Kelly had an excellent chance to secure the win for the hosts late on, but Matthew Young produced a great stop to deny the Irishman.