Brunton Park was the scene of a high-scoring encounter as Carlisle United triumphed 3-1 against Altrincham in the English National League. The home side established a significant advantage in the first half, a lead that ultimately proved decisive and strengthened their grip on a prominent position in the division.
The scoring opened in the 26th minute. David Ajiboye gave Carlisle United the lead, converting a pass from Morgan Feeney. This breakthrough initiated a period of Carlisle dominance. Just five minutes later, the advantage was doubled. David Ajiboye turned provider, setting up Luke Armstrong, who duly scored to make it 2-0.
The visitors’ afternoon worsened in the 34th minute when a defensive misunderstanding led to an own goal. Dan Sassi was credited with the own goal, which extended Carlisle’s lead to a comfortable 3-0. Altrincham faced a considerable challenge as they entered the interval trailing by three goals.
In the second half, Altrincham sought to mount a comeback. Their efforts yielded a goal in the 69th minute when Jimmy Knowles found the net for the visitors, assisted by Tylor Golden. While this goal offered a potential route back into the match for Altrincham, it ultimately served as a consolation as Carlisle United held firm to secure all three points.
The match saw several players enter the referee’s book. Matthew Kosylo of Altrincham received a yellow card in the 25th minute for a foul. Carlisle United’s Josh Williams was cautioned in the 49th minute, also for a foul, and Altrincham’s Tylor Golden followed suit in the 54th minute. Later in the second half, Regan Linney of Carlisle United was booked in the 82nd minute, and Altrincham’s Jake Cooper received a yellow card in the closing moments of the game.
Substitutions were made by both teams throughout the second half as managers sought to alter the course of the game. Altrincham introduced Kahrel Reddin for Matthew Kosylo in the 52nd minute. Carlisle United brought on Jack Ellis and Stephen Wearne in the 72nd minute. Further substitutions included Georgie Kelly for David Ajiboye (Carlisle), Charlie Kirk and Lucas Weaver for Altrincham, and Charlie Wyke for Luke Armstrong (Carlisle).
Following this result, Carlisle United, who commenced the match in third place in the National League with 59 points, now move to 62 points, bolstering their promotion aspirations. Altrincham, previously in 17th place with 30 points, remain on 30 points and drop to 18th, underscoring the competitive nature of the league.
