United got back to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Hartlepool United at Brunton Park.
Cameron Harper’s first goal for the club in the first half was cancelled out by Jermaine Francis’ second half strike before Georgie Kelly and Morgan Feeney got on the scoresheet to give the Blues the three points.
Mark Hughes made five changes from the Blues' 2-0 defeat against Rochdale, with Archie Davies, Kelly, Junior Luamba, Stephen Wearne and Jack Ellis coming in for Feeney, Josh Williams, Callum Whelan, Harvey Macadam and Luke Armstrong.
Gabe Breeze had to be sharp to deny Francis in the opening minutes when the host's attacker managed to pick up the ball in acres of space in the penalty area.
United raced into the lead within five minutes through Harper on his 50th appearance for the club after Regan Linney had burst down the left and his clever cutback found the Blues' left-back, who fired past Harvey Cartwright.
Linney was inches away from adding another goal for the Blues when he found space just outside the box, but his effort flew just past the post.
Carlisle’s number ten was giving the Pools’ defence all sorts of problems and nearly set up Kelly with a ferocious cross, but the United striker could only direct his header the wrong side of the post.
Harper was close to becoming a scorer turned provider when his corner was met by Feeney, whose near-post header sailed just over the bar.
United continued to dictate proceedings, with Davies bundling his way into the penalty area and having his low shot saved before Kelly headed straight at Cartwright from Ellis’ cross.
Feeney showed fantastic determination to throw himself in front of Luke Charman’s shot after the Pools striker had got in down the Blues' right side of the box.
Wearne played Linney through on goal down the right-hand side, but he failed to steer his effort goal-bound on the stretch.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 1-0 Hartlepool United
Simon Grayson’s side made an instant impact after the break, with Francis capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to slot past Breeze and level the scoreline.
Terell Thomas should have regained the lead for the Blues in the 54th minute, but he could only bullet his header from Davies’ corner over the bar.
United retook the lead in the 77th minute when Harper’s wicked cross from deep was volleyed past Smith by the on-rushing Kelly.
Kelly nearly had a second minutes later, picking up the ball on the edge of the area and sending a dipping shot narrowly wide.
Feeney made it three in the 90th minute when Linney was allowed the freedom to deliver a sumptuous cross which saw the United defender rise highest to head home and seal the three points.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 3-1 Hartlepool United
Teams:
Carlisle United: Breeze, Harper, Mugabi (Feeney 14), Thomas (Grant 61), Davies, Gilliead, Ellis, Wearne (Whelan 90), Luamba (Armstrong 90), Linney (Williams 90), Kelly
Unused subs: Lewis, Ajiboye
Hartlepool United: Cartwright (Smith 38), Benn, John, Parkes (Walker 67), Kouogun, Francis, Johnson (Ferguson 78), Charman (Oliver 78), Sheron, Miley, Topallaj (Daly 45)
Unused subs: Dacosta Gonzalez, Hunter
Goals:
Carlisle United: (Harper 5) (Kelly 77) (Feeney 90)
Hartlepool United: (Francis 46)
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
Hartlepool United: N/A
Red Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
Hartlepool United: N/A
Officials:
Referee - Simon Mather
Assistant Referee 1 - David Holmes
Assistant Referee 2 - Ryan Aldred
Fourth Official - Richard Holmes
Attendance:
6,170 (478 away)
