Carlisle United came from behind to thrash 10-man Boston United in a thrilling encounter at Brunton Park.
Goals from Luke Armstrong, Regan Linney, an own goal from Alex Lankshear, a David Ajiboye brace and a late header from Bevis Mugabi was enough for United, despite first-half strikes from Jordy Hiwula and Frankie Maguire for the visitors.
Mark Hughes made one change from last weekend’s defeat away at Tamworth, with Chris Conn-Clarke being replaced by Ajiboye.
United started strong with Linney coming close after he smashed the ball across the Boston six-yard box, but no one was able to get on the end of it.
The strong start was rewarded in the 24th minute after Luke Armstrong tapped the ball past Boston ‘keeper Dan Cameron from close range, who spilled the ball at Armstrong’s feet following an effort from Ajiboye.
The Blues’ pushed for a second but were unable to find a way past Cameron who made several first-half saves.
The visitors equalised in the 37th minute after Jordy Hiwula got on the end of a Frankie Maguire cross to finish past Gabe Breeze.
United were behind against the run of play, just three minutes later, after Maguire curled the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Boston the lead going into the break.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 1-2 Boston United
The Pilgrims came close to doubling their lead quickly after the restart, with Greg Sloggett’s headed effort rattling the crossbar.
Just two minutes later, United were given a chance to level the game after Maguire handled David Ajiboye’s goal bound effort on the line, which resulted in a penalty and a red card for the offender.
Linney stepped up and levelled the scoreline in the 62nd minute, despite the Boston ‘keeper getting a hand on his effort.
Linney came close to grabbing his second goal of the game less than five minutes later as he headed Ajiboye’s deep cross off the post.
United took the lead soon after, as Boston substitute Alex Lankshear turned the ball into his own net after an excellent low ball into the box from Linney.
The Blues, in a confident mood, extended their lead through Ajiboye in the 81st minute, who smashed the ball into the roof of the Boston net.
Ajiboye got his second and United’s fifth of the afternoon with a spectacular, curling effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box with his weaker foot.
Bevis Mugabi was able to round off an impressive afternoon at Brunton Park with a powerful header at the back post in the 98th minute, to make it 6-2.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 6-2 Boston United
Teams:
Carlisle United: Breeze, Feeney (C) (Thomas 80’), Ajiboye, Linney, Galvin (Harper 86’), Wearne (Whelan 90+1’), Gilliead, Mugabi, Armstrong (Parker 90+1’), Atkinson (Ellis 86’), Macadam
Unused subs: Mair, Conn-Clarke
Boston United: Cameron, Teale, Barrington (Lavinier 68’), Maguire, Carson, Hiwula (Lankshear 68’), Cursons (John-Lewis 68’), Richard, Rooney (Sloggett 52’), Grimes (C), Gallagher
Unused subs: Lovett, Hazel, Aboh
Goals:
Carlisle United – (Armstrong 24’), (Linney 62’), (Lankshear OG 72’), (Ajiboye 82’, 89’), (Mugabi 90+8)
Boston United – (Hiwula 37’), (Maguire 40’)
Yellow cards:
Carlisle United – (Galvin 45+3’)
Boston United – (Cameron 3’), (Teale 19’), (Richards 23’), (Rooney 46’), (Sloggett 75’)
Red cards:
Carlisle United – N/A
Boston United – (Maguire 61’)
Match officials:
Referee - Callum Jones
Assistant Referee 1 – Steven Lawson
Assistant Referee 2 – Mark Ryder
Fourth Official – Mark Bell
Attendance:
6450 (196 away)
