Substitute Ben Barclay came off the bench to score Carlisle’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Salford at the Peninsula Stadium.
The visitors, who were starved of possession for lengthy periods in a cagey first half, missed a glit-edged chance to take the lead after 16 minutes when Luke Armstrong blazed Dom Sadi’s square ball over from close range.
In reply, energetic forward Kylian Kouassi’s powerful low drive was tipped around the post by Gabe Breeze before Stephen Negru headed Tyrese Fornah’s clipped delivery narrowly over the crossbar.
As Carlisle slumped deeper out of possession, Ossama Ashley tested Breeze’s reflexes from range as Salford went into half-time on the front foot.
The away side improved after the interval and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 77th minute when Aaron Hayden headed Harrison Biggins’ floated cross into the side-netting.
Carlisle began to stamp their authority on the game and carried a growing threat on the break through livewire Daniel Adu-Adjei.
The Cumbrians were rewarded for their second-half effort after 88 minutes when Barclay headed home Biggins’ inviting corner.
