Zak Brunt set the hosts on course to leapfrog the Cumbrians in the table, firing home a first-time effort from the edge of the 18-yard box in the 31st minute. Abdul Abdulmalik doubled the advantage six minutes later by finishing on the rebound after Matt Rush’s initial effort was saved by Carlisle goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze. Mark Hughes’ visitors created little in response during the second period as they slipped to a second successive league defeat.

Source: Express December 21, 2025 18:17 UTC