It had to happen sometime – Carlisle’s first defeat under Paul Simpson – but it’s been an uplifting experience so far.
After four straight wins the Blues lost 2-1 at home to promotion chasing Newport County despite a thrilling effort after being two goals down.
The good news, though, is that others in the relegation picture – Oldham, Stevenage, Colchester and the seemingly doomed Scunthorpe also lost.
There were no winners either as Leyton Orient and Rochdale could only pick up a point apiece.
A crowd of 4,445 saw United down on the possession stats at half-time, without a shot on target, but by the end were 51-49 ahead and had managed 12 shots, two of which were on target.
But as always it was goals that counted and Newport had taken their chances well to move third in the table.
County had taken the lead on 15 minutes when a clever corner to the near post found Micky Demetriou and his glancing header gave Mark Howard no chance.
There were no real opportunities for either side after that but Newport had clearly edged the half, in possession and the all-important goal.
Newport should have doubled their lead early in the second-half when James Clarke was beyond the far post to reach a corner but headed against the bar. It rebounded to Rob Street who, although off balance, stabbed the ball wide from three yards.
Rod McDonald was close to an equaliser for Carlisle when he was up for a corner but a cracking volley just cleared the bar.
Then from another corner Omari Patrick did not get enough on his header and it was a comfortable save for Nick Townsend.
Just when it seemed Carlisle were building up a head of steam they were undone on the break following a misplaced pass in midfield. The ball was slipped through to Finn Azaz who powered home a fierce shot.
Patrick has been Carlisle’s most reliable marksman under Simpson and he struck again on 80 minutes to offer a ray of hope.
Danny Devine put in a good cross an d showing great control Patrick gathered and shot home into the bottom corner.
Carlisle piled forward in the closing stages but the best they could manage was a shot from Patrick which was just over the bar.
