Ben Barclay’s late header was the difference as United secured maximum points in Greater Manchester.
Mike Williamson made two changes to his side that fought valiantly against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last weekend - Callum Guy and Luke Armstrong replaced Ethan Robson and Taylor Charters.
Gabe Breeze was called into action for the first time on six minutes to punch clear Luke Garbutt’s looping delivery from the left.
On 13 minutes, Ossama Ashley tried his luck from distance but his strike went flying over United’s crossbar, before Aaron Hayden averted a chance from Okoronkwo moments later.
Luke Armstrong would shoot over the Blues’ first chance of the contest three minutes later following some great build-up play from Dan Adu-Adjei, Dom Sadi and Tyler Burey.
Haji Mnoga looked to force an opening for the hosts at the halfway point of the first-half, but Jon Mellish was able to get back and clear the danger on United’s left.
On 32 minutes, Okoronkwo looked to guide Garbutt’s free-kick towards goal after rising highest in the visitors’ box - his effort landed off target.
Shortly before the break, Harrison Neal came to Carlisle’s rescue, blocking an effort from Ashley after Aaron Hayden was robbed of possession at the back. Therefore, seeing both sides enter the break level.
HALF-TIME: Salford City 0-0 United
Salford started the strongest in the second 45, applying constant pressure in the opening seven minutes, which ended with Breeze beating away a Garbutt effort from a free-kick.
Tyler Burey showed some brilliant aerial ability as the half continued, clearing several of the Ammies’ balls forward.
On the hour-mark, Josh Austerfield looked to break the deadlock. His shot from outside of United’s box went well over Breeze’s crossbar.
Substitute Conor McAleny almost made an immediate impact, driving through the Blues’ defence before Terell Thomas was forced to make a last ditch challenge.
Sadi had arguably the best chance of the contest with 20 minutes remaining. Thomas knocked the ball forward to Armstrong, who flicked on to the man on loan from Bournemouth, but after driving at goal, his shot was turned wide by a defender.
On 77 minutes, Hayden came inches from nodding the Blues into the lead after a great delivery to the back post from Harrison Biggins.
Kylian Kouassi drove low towards the bottom corner of Breeze’s goal in the final moments, but United’s ‘keeper was equal to it.
Before the Blues took the lead in the dying embers and it was newly-introduced substitute Ben Barclay who got it. The defender came crashing it at the far post to turn home a corner in front of 1,300+ travelling Carlisle supporters to claim all three points.
FULL-TIME: Salford City 0-1 United
Teams:
Salford City - Jones, Ashley, Negru (90+1 Stockton), Fornah, Taylor (46’ Malcolm), Tilt, Mnoga (80’ Mnoga), Kouassi, Garbutt, Austerfield (80’ Lund), Okoronkwo (63’ McAleny)
Unused subs - Young, Luamba
United - Breeze, Thomas, Lavelle ©, Hayden (85’ Barclay), Guy (63’ Harper), Adu-Adjei, Neal, Mellish, Sadi, Armstrong (72’ Harris), Burey (63’ Biggins)
Unused subs - Lewis, Charters, Vela
Goals:
Salford City - N/A
United - (88’ Barclay)
Yellow cards:
Salford City - (57’ Mnoga), (74’ Austerfield)
United - (28’ Adu-Adjei), (69’ Neal)
Red cards:
Salford City - N/A
United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Ross Joyce
Assistant Referee - Adam Burgess
Assistant Referee - Danny Guest
Fourth Official - Thomas Kirk
Attendance:
3,737 (1,366 away)
