It was an eighth successive defeat for Carlisle rooted to the foot of League One, but the 2-1 loss at Bristol Rovers was a much improved display from a week ago.
Time is running out for the Blues, 14 points from safety, but they answered manager Paul Simpson’s call to win back some pride with a more determined performance.
Although there was no complaints about the side’s commitment and effort where they lacked again was in class and quality.
That was shown in Rovers’ winner from the 34-year-old former Celtic star Scott Sinclair who turned back the clock with his winning goal after 51 minutes.
He cut inside before letting go with a fierce shot that gave Harry Lewis no chance, crashing home off the underside of the bar.
Carlisle had started the game on the front foot brightly and midfielder Josh Vela gave them a deserved lead on 16 minutes when he drilled a shot past home keeper Jed Ward.
It could have been even better for Carlisle as Luke Armstrong was close to a second and then Taylor Charters saw an angled drive hit the foot of the post.
Rovers levelled on 34 minutes when veteran Chris Martin scored from close range after some great play from Jevani Brown had produced the opening with gtreat control and a perfect cross.
Sinclair scored the winner to give Rovers their comeback win and Carlisle were never as close as they had been earlier in the game.
