New Carlisle United manager Keith Millen was unable to start his new job with a win at Northampton Town.
In fact, it was much the same story for the Blues as they went down 3-0 to the Cobblers.
And while the home side were moving second from the early kick-off win, Carlisle slipped to second-bottom – back in the relegation zone.
Although possession was only slightly better in Northampton’s favour, 52-48%, Carlisle’s attacking intent rarely troubled the home keeper.
Indeed, although they had nine shots, United failed to register a single one on target.
They had started well enough, looking sharp and up for a front-foot start as Millen had asked for, but that early promise faded.
By the second half they were very much second best as Northampton finished with their fourth straight clean sheet.
That’s something Millen needs to work on as Carlisle very rarely get through a game without conceding.
Early on though Carlisle had looked better than a side on an eight-game winless run and occasionally caused problems for the home defence, with Lewis Alessandra heading a decent chance over.
Paul Lewis was the hat-trick hero for Northampton as he scored all three goals for the hosts who were making it four wins in a row.
After a largely scrappy first-half Northampton had taken the lead on 41 minutes from a quick break-out.
Shaun McWilliams did the groundwork, winning back possession inside his own half and spraying a pass out to Ali Koiki. He then played a smart one-two with Mitchell Pinnock before crossing low for Lewis to tap home at the back post.
Lewis could have doubled the Northampton lead soon after the restart but fired into the gloves of Mark Howard.
Town had upped the tempo in the second-half and Carlisle were doing all their best work in defence as the pressure mounted.
Jon Guthrie had a good chance but his shot was just wide, and with only a goal in it, Carlisle were not out of it.
But all that changed on 57 minutes when Carlisle were architects of their own downfall. Captain Callum Guy was robbed just outside the area and allowed Kion Etete to drive forward into the box and his simple pass gave Lewis a chance he wasn’t going to miss.
It was game set and match on 66 minutes when Jack Armer handled in the box and Lewis completed his hat-trick from the spot – the first by a Northampton player for almost three years.
Jordan Gibson had a late chance to grab a consolation goal for the Blues but from a good position shot high over the bar.
