A hardworking performance saw United get back to winning ways, defeating Brackley Town 1-0 at St James Park.
Regan Linney’s second-half goal gave the Blues a well-earned three points in Northamptonshire.
Mark Hughes made two changes from the Blues' 2-1 defeat at Sutton United at the weekend, with Georgie Kelly coming in to lead the attack, whilst Alex Gilliead started in midfield for his second United debut.
United started with intent when Stephen Wearne broke through midfield and had his shot blocked before Kelly’s follow-up forced Jonny Maxted to save at full stretch.
The Saints came close to taking the lead in the 14th minute when Matt Lowe headed Riccardo Calder’s deep cross just wide of Gabe Breeze’s goal.
Linney showed his power to burst down the left wing and fire a low cross across the six-yard box, with Kelly having his effort deflected over the bar from close range.
Neat interplay from United allowed Cameron Harper to get space to cross on the left of the penalty area, and his delivery was turned just wide by Kelly in the 34th minute.
Kelly continued to be a threat for the Blues and came close to an opening goal, guiding Macadam’s precise delivery narrowly past Maxted’s upright.
United continued to test the Brackley defence, and Linney was next to come close, nodding Harper’s corner into the side-netting.
HALF-TIME: Brackley Town 0–0 Carlisle United
Gavin Cown’s side had the first chance of the second half when Calder slipped Scott Pollock through a gap down the left of the box, and his following shot was pushed away by Breeze.
Macadam came close in the 70th minute with his scissor kick from outside the area, flashing wide of Maxted’s right upright.
United broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Jack Ellis found the time to fizz a delightful pass into Linney, who drove across the box and fired into the bottom left corner.
The Blues held on to the victory despite late Brackley pressure during the six minutes of additional time.
FULL-TIME: Brackley Town 0–1 Carlisle United
Teams:
Brackley Town: Maxted, Pollock (Lyttle 70), Calder, Morrison, Dean, Price (Hobson 75), Waldron (Hall 70), Roberts, Lowe, Byrne, Lilly
Not used: Gregory, Brown, Haynes
Carlisle United: Breeze, Davies, Thomas (Hayden 92), Mugabi, Harper, Ellis, Gilliead (Armstrong 70), Macadam, Linney (Whelan 92), Wearne (Grant 82), Kelly
Not used: Lewis, Ajiboye, Murray
Goals:
Brackley Town – N/A
Carlisle United – (Linney 79)
Yellow cards:
Brackley Town – (Maxted 66)
Carlisle United – (Kelly 27) (Breeze 78)
Red cards:
Brackley Town - N/A
Carlisle United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee – Abigail Byrne
Assistant Referee One – Jason Roberts
Assistant Referee Two – Timothy Walker
Fourth Official – Dan England
Attendance:
1,454 (425 away)
