Altrincham and Carlisle United engaged in a closely fought match at the J. Davidson Stadium, a game of incident and tactical adjustments that ultimately saw Carlisle claim a 2-1 victory.
Carlisle took an early lead in the 9th minute, courtesy of a Lewis Banks own goal. Altrincham responded swiftly, levelling the score in the 19th minute when Jimmy Knowles converted a penalty. The spot-kick followed a sequence of yellow cards issued to Carlisle players Cameron Harper, Georgie Kelly, Alex Gilliead, and Terell Thomas, with Altrincham’s Elliot Osborne also receiving a caution during the same passage of play.
In the 35th minute, Regan Linney, assisted by Stephen Wearne, restored Carlisle’s lead. The first half concluded with Carlisle holding a narrow 2-1 advantage.
The second half saw both sides reduced to ten men. Cameron Harper, already on a yellow card, was sent off in the 54th minute. Altrincham’s Tom Crawford received his second yellow card in added time, evening up the numbers but not affecting the score.
Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson made a series of substitutions in the second half, bringing on James Gale for Oliver Crankshaw and Keaton Ward for Isaac Marriott. Later in the game, Matthew Kosylo replaced Knowles, who had earlier scored Altrincham’s goal. Carlisle also made changes, introducing Harvey Macadam for Wearne, Jordan Jones for Linney, and David Ajiboye for Junior Luamba. Near the end of the match, Morgan Feeney replaced Archie Davies.
Referee Richie Watkins issued a total of seven yellow cards and two red cards during the match.
The win moves Carlisle United up to second place in the National League table with 23 points from 10 games. Altrincham are currently in 13th position with 12 points.