Karamoko Dembele’s strike inside the opening minute condemned United to defeat at Brunton Park.
The visitors took an immediate lead inside the opening 40 seconds after hurling a long throw down the line, before Karamoko Dembele found himself one-on-one with Harry Lewis, sweeping the ball into the far corner.
On 8 minutes, United had their first big chance of the contest as Lavelle slipped the ball into the path of Armstrong, but goal scorer Dembele managed to get back and clear the danger.
Ben Barclay made a vital interception at the opposite end as Dembele look to play through Shayne Lavery, who would’ve had a brilliant chance to double their advantage.
On 20 minutes, Kelly sprayed a ball over to Armstrong on the left, who cut inside looking to find a yard to pull the trigger, but he ultimately looked to find Harris on the edge of the box – who had just replaced Robinson – before Blackpool cleared the threat.
Sonny Carey’s deflected effort from outside the area almost brought Blackpool’s second of the afternoon, but after going wide for a corner, Husband then nodded off target at the back post.
Lavery had a golden opportunity to extend their lead on 29 minutes after receiving the ball inside the box following a low delivery from the left, but he blazed over Lewis’ crossbar.
Mellish looked to drive the hosts forward as the fourth official indicated five additional minutes at the end of the first-half, but the ball flew over Grimshaw’s crossbar in the end.
Husband sent in a dangerous cross as we approached the interval, but Barclay was there to clear with a tremendous diving header.
Half-time: Carlisle United 0-1 Blackpool
Carlisle forged the first big opening of the second-half. Jon Mellish played the ball inside to Georgie Kelly, who lifted his head and found Harris, but the midfielder fired over.
On 58 minutes, Neal delivered a corner which caused issues, forcing Blackpool to turn behind for another, but after Armer sent in the second consecutive set-piece, it would eventually fly out of play causing no danger to Grimshaw in the Blackpool goal.
Coulsen threaded a through ball to Carey just past the hour mark, but Lewis made himself big and made the required stop at his near post.
JJ Kayode injected some energy into United’s performance soon after his entry to the action, but the Blues were unable to make the killer pass in the final third on a number of occasions.
Diamond - who was also introduced alongside Kayode - delivered a looping cross towards Kelly on 74 minutes, but the attacker’s left-footed attempt flew wide.
Mellish had the best chance of second-half as the clock hit 90 minutes, but his effort went wide of Blackpool’s goal from close range.
Full-time: Carlisle United 0-1 Blackpool
Goals
Carlisle United: N/A
Blackpool: (Dembele 1’)
Bookings
Carlisle United: (Harris 83’)
Blackpool: N/A
Teams
Carlisle United: Lewis, Ellis (Diamond 67’), Barclay, Huntington ©, Lavelle, Armer, Robinson (Harris 16’), Neal, Mellish, Armstrong (Kayode 67’), Kelly
Unused subs: Breeze, O’Brien, Emmanuel, Dudik
Blackpool: Grimshaw, Husband ©, Pennington, Byers (Morgan 35’), Carey, Dembele (Kouassi 83’), Coulsen, Beesley (Joseph 83’), Lavery (Gabriel 66’), Ekpiteta, Hamilton (Virtue 66’)
Unused subs: O’Donnell, Casey
Match Officials
Referee: Tom Reeves
Assistant Referee 1: Paul Newhouse
Assistant Referee 2: Emily Carney
Fourth Official: Ivan Stankovic
Attendance: 7600 (1548 away)
