Aaron Henry struck a remarkable 30-yard free-kick to secure a late equalizer for Wealdstone in a 1-1 draw against Carlisle United at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.

David Ajiboye had put Carlisle ahead in the 34th minute after a well-worked move involving Georgie Kelly, who set up Ajiboye to finish calmly past Wealdstone goalkeeper Dante Baptiste. The goal appeared to set Carlisle on course for consecutive league victories under manager Rob Elliot.

Wealdstone responded strongly, with several opportunities in the first half. Kyle Smith twice threatened with crosses and shots early on, only to be denied by Carlisle’s goalkeeper Adam Desbois, including a crucial block from Brad Nicholson, who cleared off the line as Smith’s curling effort headed toward the top corner. Just before halftime, Connor McAvoy’s header from a corner narrowly missed.

The home side continued their pressure after the break, with Dion Conroy and several others coming close to an equalizer. Baptiste produced key saves to keep Wealdstone in contention, notably denying two efforts from Carlisle substitute Stephen Wearne, who twice threatened to extend the visitors’ lead.

In the closing stages, Carlisle striker Obiero appeared to have scored an equalizer, but Desbois made a decisive save to keep his team ahead. However, in the 86th minute, Henry delivered a stunning free-kick that flew into the top corner beyond Desbois, rescuing a point for Wealdstone.

Wealdstone manager Gary Waddock praised Henry’s strike and his team’s performance. “Aaron’s free-kick was different class,” Waddock said. “We deserved to get something from the game because we went toe-to-toe with a very good side who are looking to go for promotion this year. We played really, really well, and I thought Dante made two unbelievable saves to keep us in the game. It needed something special to get us back in it.”

Carlisle’s Rob Elliot expressed frustration at dropping points despite dominating much of the match. “It’s an incredible free-kick,” he said of Henry’s goal. “But we need to be more ruthless. I’m disappointed not to get the three points considering the performance second-half and the amount of chances. If we take one of those chances, the game’s done and we win. If you don’t, you leave yourself susceptible to something like that.”

The draw will be seen as a resilient display from Wealdstone, who held their own against a side with promotion ambitions, while Carlisle will regret missed opportunities, especially in the second half.