Paul Simpson admitted it was a case of mixed emotions after United's 2-2 draw against Northampton Town.
The Blues fell behind against the run of play to Shaun McWilliams' first half strike before goals from Jack Armer and Ryan Edmondson put the hosts in front at Brunton Park.
But while a deserved three points was snatched away by Kieron Bowie's late leveller, the United boss remained please with the manner of his side's display.
"It's a real strange mix of emotions because I'm so frustrated, so disappointed, but I'm absolutely delighted with the performance," he said.
"I'm so, so proud of the way the players have gone about it because the run of results that we've been on, and particularly the 5-1 and the 3-0 and all of the stuff that's gone with that, to show the character and the desire that they did today, and the energy, and I thought the football we played was really good."
"For me, that's probably one of our best performances of the season in terms of having some control in the game.
McWilliams' opener came at a time when the Blues were on top and fashioning a number of chances.
But it was Carlisle's reaction to that setback that drew praise from their manager post-match.
"I don't even know what you can say about their first goal," admitted Simpson.
"It's sickening because we were solid, so in control of the game and looking so like a good side at that moment.
"I thought Jack Robinson and Alfie McCalmont in midfield were picking up good areas, Dylan was controlling it, the two wide players, Jordan and Luke, were causing all sorts of problems.
"And so to lose a goal like that's really disappointing.
"But we came back, they kept going, we got ourselves ahead with two well worked goals.
"I think when you're on a run like we are and you're scrapping like we are, it would have been easy to go under," he continued.
"The first goal is so important and we're really struggling to get that and we're finding that tough.
"It's a bit of a bit of a block that we've got with it.
'We kept trying to do the right things kept trying to find those opportunities.
"I think that's probably Luke's best game and I'm so pleased for him because that showed some real character to come back from what he did last week.
"But I said this on Thursday, I think they've had a really good week of football this week. They've really worked hard, they've come in with a different type of attitude to it.
"But it's now an attitude we have to carry on. We've got to make sure we keep going and keep demanding the professional attitude from everybody and hopefully results will come."
And Simpson also praised United's fans for their role in the performance - with over 6,000 in attendance.
"They were magnificent from the first whistle," he said.
"They really backed us. It would have been easy for them to go under when we've conceded the first goal.
"But I think they realise we're in a bit of a scrap they realise we're sort of fighting for everything at the moment.
"And if the players perform like that, and the supporters can see that they're giving it their all and doing what they can, I think they'll back us all the way and hopefully they will continue to do that."