In what may go down as struggling Carlisle’s darkest day of the new year already, Crewe hit four first half goals to maintain the final automatic promotion spot.

A brace from Man of the Match Daniel Powell, with one each from Callum Ainley and Chuma Anene made Jack Iredale’s stunning consolation a feeble effort.

463 Cumbrians supporters descended on Gresty Road hoping to start 2020 with something to build on, but will now be wondering what foundations Chris Beech will dismantle in this new year.

Beech was again without young star Jarrad Branthwaite, as a host of high-level scouts watched on, who has been linked with a £750,000 move to Everton today.

David Artell made just one change, with Rio Adebisi coming in for the injured Harry Pickering at left-back.

Beech, taking charge of his sixth League Two match, warned at the weekend that the Alex had the ability to ‘blow teams away’ in short periods – and their four goals in 17 minutes proved that.

Four times Carlisle were sliced open like a hot knife through butter, as individual errors compounded disastrous defensive shape.

Artell’s ravenous attackers were licking their lips once the likes of midfield maestros Ainley and Tom Lowery got on the ball.

The first goal caught out Blues left-back Iredale, who allowed Paul Green the space to cross and Ainley floated into the area to head home past an unwilling to come out Adam Collin.

Powell got his first and his side’s second after Ainley became provider in the penalty area – another Iredale lapse.

Then, five minutes later, a controversial high-foot free-kick was sent up towards Powell, who got the better of centre-back Aaron Hayden in a one-on-one battle to wriggle free and slot home.

Anene’s fourth was quickly the pick of the punch, turning Byron Webster to unleash a vicious strike from the edge of the penalty area, leaving Collin helpless as the ball hit the top left-hand corner.

Boos and jeers rang around the Ice Cream Van away stand, who had likely sacrificed New Year’s plans to watch their team be carved like a Christmas Turkey in the opening 45.

Half-time: 4-0

Hallam Hope, as anonymous in the game as this report, was hooked at the break for Jack Bridge – only his second appearance since mid-November.

Instant improvement came for Carlisle, as Crewe caved in to allow their goal to come under fire.

However, it took something special to breach their back line.

56 minutes in, Iredale picked up the ball on the left and fired in a shot which whizzed and moved with velocity to beat William Jääskeläinen (son of Jussi) at his ‘near’ post.

An Eric Cantona-esque celebration followed, although it was in vain as efforts to score again were met with ironic jeers from the travelling fans after the Alex dealt with them.

Mohammed Sagaf suffered took a nasty foul from Railwaymen substitute Owen Dale, with the Somalian being taken off injured after often being the catalyst for a spirited second half display.

Dale was booked but as the stadium became noisy with chants of League One hopes in the latter stages, and Crewe knew they had escaped a late comeback threat from the Cumbrians.

Powell came close to getting a hat-trick for the Alex and league debutant Taylor Charters forced the issue for the Blues on the plenty of occasions.

The day was best summed-up when Harry McKirdy, who has caused divide in the fan base due to his behaviour on social media recently, passed the ball back from 40 yards out straight for a corner.

Gresty Road emptied out a short while before the final whistle and the game petered out.

Beech, who has impressed so far in the hot seat, now has plenty to ponder ahead of a trip to Cardiff City in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Crewe, sitting prettily 3rd place, play a third consecutive home match on Sunday, this time against Barnsley in the iconic Third Round.

Carlisle languish 21st in the table, eights points clear of the only relegation place, with a winter renovation required to give their supporters something to be proud of again.

Attendance: 4,160 (463)

Home star man: Daniel Powell

Away star man: Mohammed Sagaf

Referee: John Busby

words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent