Chris Beech earned his first home league win as Carlisle manager thanks to a win over Walsall.

A debut goal for Nick Anderton and own goal for Saddlers stopper Liam Roberts were all the Cumbrians needed to end a four-game League Two goal drought at Brunton Park in spite of a Matthew Sadler consolation shortly after the break.

Beech shuffled his starting XI pack by handing home debuts to Anderton and Lewis Alessandra but was without star man Harry McKirdy for the game.

Darrell Clarke made one change with new signing Nathan Sheron, who signed on loan from Fleetwood Town on Tuesday, making his first start in midfield, as striker Caolan Lavery dropped to the bench.

Carlisle were in a 4-4-2, going direct and shooting on sight against goalkeeper Roberts, whose handling came into question on various occasions.

In the 21st minute Alessandra did well to win a foul on the left-wing and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Elliot Watt whipped in a dangerous ball for Anderton to eventual finish following a six-yard scuffle.

Carlisle thought they’d missed their chance to double the lead when Alessandra sent Ryan Loft through and the Leicester City loanee fluffed his lines coming into the penalty area.

However, Roberts got a touch on the ball, forcing a corner-kick and gave Watt the chance to whip in again.

Loft made a more positive impact from the cross, heading against the crossbar as the ball ricocheted off Roberts into the back of the net for an own goal.

Half-time: 2-0

Despite the positivity at the interval, the Cumbrians conceded shortly after the break for the third consecutive home game.

Gethin Jones naively put the ball out for a Saddlers corner under no pressure from a wayward cross on 50 minutes, allowing centre-back Sadler to head home Rory Holden’s corner and reduce the deficit.

Walsall then enjoyed a prolonged spell of pressure but were toothless in their efforts.

Referee James Oldham suffered criticism from both sides, although only booked three Carlisle men.

One of those was Byron Webster and despite a handful of errors, used his imposing figure to good effect on multiple occasions alongside Aaron Hayden in a more settled back four.

Going forward, recently-released from Morecambe Alessandra’s hold-up play was impressive, earning him Man of the Match in a plethora of positive performances across the pitch.

It got to squeaky-bum time in the closing stages as Walsall presses for an equaliser, although Carlisle were resolute and held on to an important three points.

McKirdy scored an added-time winner down the Bescot Stadium in the reverse fixture 28 days ago but the dangerous Elijah Adebayo and co. struggled to get any real opportunities to get their revenge.

Beech’s boys stay 21st, seven points clear of the bottom while Clarke dropped down one place to 13th.

Attendance: 4,097 (286)

Home star man: Lewis Alessandra

Away star man: Matthew Sadler

Referee: James Oldham

words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent