A late Mike Jones pearler put 10-man Lincoln’s title party on hold as Carlisle kept their promotion dreams alive.
Jason Shackell was sent off for two yellow cards inside four minutes which gave the champions-in-waiting an uphill battle in what was a shock Good Friday result.
Typical for an Imps match, the game was a true physical encounter packed with aggressive moments.
Despite that, the Cumbrians kept their nerve to eventually break the deadlock in the 76th minute through their man of the match.
Steven Pressley made four changes with Jamie Devitt – who captained the side – and Kelvin Etuhu returned from injury, while Jones was back from suspension, along with Anthony Gerrard who was recalled following a spell on the bench.
Their inclusions helped the watertight blues back line kept their first clean sheet in just under three months.
Danny Cowley made no changes to the starting XI which achieved promotion last weekend but could only name six substitutes as Lee Frecklington was absent.
Prior to kick-off, a minutes applause was immaculately observed by both sets of supporters for blue legend Ivor Broadis, who passed away in midweek at the age of 96.
The gigantic visiting contingent often threatened to make it feel like a home fixture, but the actual hosts were fired-up after this fixture last season on the same Bank Holiday weekend had caused some drama.
Lincoln started strongly and Carlisle slightly rode their luck during the opening stages to avoid being punished before the affair really got going.
The first half lacked any guilt-edged chances. However, Shackell received his marching orders from Premier League referee Lee Mason when he was given a second yellow card for appearing to bring down opposite skipper once the midfielder had turned.
Shackell did not take the dubious decision well and pushed back the fourth official Seb Stockbridge on his way into the Brunton Park tunnel.
As expected, the Cowley brothers were livid and Stockbridge was pelted with shouts from the away dugout.
Centre back Cian Bolger replacement was given a yellow card himself due to running into the pitch prior to Shay McCartan getting off the field.
Stefan Scougall had a late opportunity with his weaker right foot but Matt Gills held onto the ball in his midriff.
Half-time: 0-0
The half struggled to get going at first, with the Imps employing an abundance of methods to waste time.
Devitt was withdrawn early on as due to another injury, and the introduction of Macauley Gillesphey and Nathan Thomas as Gary Miller also departed changed the complexion of the affair.
Jones and midfield partner Kelvin Etuhu were dictating play with plenty of space around them to drive forward or fire balls into the forward men’s feet.
The Cumbrians began to spread the play and stretch the away side, who tired chasing down their numerically superior hosts.
Pieces of slick attacking football from the home men were failing to penetrate the visitors, until Jones rifled a low shot into the bottom left-hand corner – leaving Matt Gilks with no chance.
The Cowley brothers convened and as they became more adventurous, which forced Adam Collin to make a sensational stop to deny substitute Danny Rowe as Tom Parkes excellently cleared with the closing stages looming.
Brunton Park’s atmosphere ramped up as five minutes of added-time were signalled but it was Carlisle who had the biggest chance.
Hallam Hope stole the ball from Neal Eardley on the halfway line and had the opportunity to finish the contest off. Although, the striker gave it to Callum O’Hare and Gilks held on to his tame shot.
Shortly after, Thomas picked up the ball from the weaving Scougall but the Sheffield United loanee struck the foot of the post.
Warming up in front of the pint-filled Paddock, fan favourite blues midfielder Jason Kennedy was given a booking for stopping a quick throw-in.
Just as Mason was preparing to blow his whistle, Gary Liddle gave away a free-kick on the left but no Lincoln man got on the end of it, an agonising sight for the 2,099-strong support who watched the ball flash across.
When the final whistle finally sounded, a roar of relief and hope erupted from the vast majority inside Brunton Park in the Cumbrian sunshine.
Although it was the first defeat in 20 outings, the Imps are still in pole position to claim the League Two crown as they prepare for a season in a higher division next term.
Nevertheless, the Cumbrians will still believe they can reach League One this campaign as they sit just one point from the play-off spots ahead of Easter Monday.
Attendance: 6,819 (2,099)
Home star man: Mike Jones
Away star man: Michael Bostwick
Referee: Lee Mason
words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle correspondent