MATCH REPORT: Carlisle United 3-2 Mansfield Town

Managerless Carlisle inflicted Mansfield’s first away defeat of the season, as Hallam Hope’s double helped make it a spectacular six wins on the spin.

A dominant display from the Cumbrians still allowed for Matt Preston and Tyler Walker to hit the back of the net, although the Stags simply lost their heads too often.

Caretaker boss Tommy Wright and first team coach Paul Murray went for an unchanged starting XI, while David Flitcroft made one alteration from New Year’s Day – as Danny Rose was replaced by Timi Elsnik. CJ Hamilton retained his place despite speculation midweek about bids from Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion – rumoured to be in the region of a whopping 750k.

Despite not beginning too well, Carlisle got the game off to an electric start. Jack Sowerby (who was exceptional all afternoon) emphatically notched his third goal in four games as he dispatched home, after some sharp forward play on the break by Hope and Ashley Nadesan to lift the roof off of Brunton Park.

That was a shock to the Mansfield system; but not as much as the second goal. Again, the hosts countered and when Danny Grainger’s skewed pass found Gary Liddle on the right, with the ball eventually finding Nadesan on the wing, who squared to Hope to tap into an empty net.

Flitcroft then reversed his pre-match change, bringing on Rose to a vitriolic reception by the ever-entertaining Paddock.

The visitors grew into the game but some resolute defending at the back meant the Cumbrians were able to ward the Stags off as the interval loomed.

Just prior to the half-time whistle blowing, away centre back Preston (brilliant throughout) clattered into Grainger; leaving both played a lucky to stay on the pitch as a yellow card was awarded and the home captain fine to continue. Neil Bishop then earned himself a yellow card when he reacted badly to a Grainger challenge – rolling around to purposely hit out at the skipper on the floor.

More drama came after the whistle though, as Bishop was sent off during the break following a scuffle in the tunnel.

The second half was a similar story, as Carlisle blew Mansfield away in terms of chances and possession but the Cumbrians made it hard work.

With nothing much of note coming until the closing stages, a silly Anthony Gerrard foul gave the Stags a chance to equalise. Frustratingly, it was Preston who rose highest from Malvind Benning’s deliver to tighten the margin.

That gap did not last long, though, as Jamie Devitt played in Hope for his second past the furious Conrad Logan.

However, this was Carlisle – it was never going to be easy and Mansfield showed a glimpse of fight when they capitalised on an Adam Collin fumble, leading to top scorer Tyler Walker getting his 12th goal of the campaign.

Brunton Park was full of emotion but when the full-time whistle blew, it erupted and the two sets of fans were stunned by their own side’s contrasting displays; one full of character heading to visit a familiar face next weekend in Keith Curle, the other drastically dire who head back to Field Mill with their tails between their legs.

Attendance: 4,563 (335)

Home star man: Jack Sowerby

Away star man: Matt Preston

Referee: Robert Lewis

words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent