Carlisle United got their promotion push back on track last night by beating Hartlepool United 3-1 at Brunton Park.
Deflated by two successive defeats – scoring none and conceding eight – this was more like it from Mark Hughes’ men.
Hartlepool didn’t have the flair, organisation or potential of York or Rochdale, but they were stubborn opponents.
The Cumbrians couldn’t have wished for a much better start as they went ahead after only four minutes.
Wing back Cameron Harper scored his first Carlisle goal on his 50th appearance, so it was a memorable strike from the 23-year-old Scot.
It was a lead Carlisle held quite comfortably until the first minute of the second half.
Some poor defending by the Blues allowed Jermaine Francis to put the visitors level.
In a big finish, however, Carlisle scored twice in the last 13 minutes to earn all three points.
Opening goal scorer Harper provided the assist with a cross for Georgie Kelly to put the hosts ahead after 77 minutes.
Then in the dying minutes substitute defender Morgan Feeney was introduced and he headed in the third.
Hartlepool will be hoping for a better outcome when they return to Cumbria tonight with their youngsters for an FA Youth Cup tie at Workington (7.45pm).
