A second-half strike from Gwion Edwards condemned United to a disappointing Boxing Day defeat.
Mike Williamson named an unchanged line-up from Saturday’s hard-fought draw at Port Vale.
A bright opening few minutes for the Blues culminated with Jon Mellish winning United a corner - the Shrimps cleared the threat before a second corner in succession was hammered wide by Aaron Hayden.
Harrison Neal tried his luck from distance on 5 minutes. His shot was palmed away by Harry Burgoyne and the hosts were unable to turn in the rebound.
Marcus Dackers came close for Morecambe just after the 10-minute mark. A fine low cross was delivered from the right but United managed to clear.
On 21 minutes, Luke Armstrong was able to shrug off his marker, before firing a left-footed effort on goal which landed just wide of the Shrimps’ far post.
Gwion Edwards looked to fire the visitors in front as we approached the half-hour mark, Gabe Breeze was equal to it to make a smart save.
Moments later, Dom Sadi forced Burgoyne into a great low save to keep the contest level.
The Blues were let off the hook as we neared the break. Ben Barclay’s loose pass was intercepted by Ben Tollitt, who struck just wide of Breeze’s far post.
HALF-TIME: United 0-0 Morecambe
Eight minutes into the second-half, Breeze was forced into action again, this time denying Marcus Dackers who looked to nod Morecambe ahead.
Seconds later, Harvey Macadam showed brilliant skill and composure to spin his man inside the box before looking to find a teammate in the centre. Lavelle was alert to clear the threat.
Edwards was next to try and break the deadlock - his shot was deflected off target before the Shrimps’ number seven then found the net moments later.
United’s afternoon went from bad to worse soon after as Jon Mellish was shown a straight red card following a challenge on Tom White.
After entering the action off the bench, Dan Adu-Adjei looked to make an impact by driving beyond his man on the right prior to crossing into the box. Cameron Harper met the ball but ultimately crashed a first-time attempt wide.
Harrison Neal looked to drag United back level on 78 minutes, however, his low drive was no danger to Burgoyne’s goal.
In the closing stages, Gabe Breeze made a phenomenal save from point-blank range to deny Paul Lewis, before Adam Lewis was cautioned for simulation after going over inside the area.
In the moments which remained, the Blues weren’t able to create a clear-cut opportunity and therefore were unable to draw themselves level.
FULL-TIME: United 0-1 Morecambe
Teams:
Carlisle United - Breeze, Harper, Lavelle © (69’ Biggins), Hayden, Jones (69’ Harris), Neal, Ellis, Mellish, Sadi (60’ Adu-Adjei), Barclay, Armstrong
Unused subs - Smith, Charters, Dudik, Hetherington
Morecambe - Burgoyne, Hendrie, White, Stott ©, Edwards (80’ Slew), Macadam (68’ P. Lewis), Williams, Tollitt, Dackers, Tutonda, Jones (80’ A. Lewis)
Unused subs - Taylor, Hope, Millen, Songo’o
Goals:
Carlisle United - N/A
Morecambe - (61’ Edwards)
Yellow cards:
Carlisle United - (60’ Ellis)
Morecambe - (37’ Hendrie), (90+3 Tutonda)
Red cards:
Carlisle United - (62’ Mellish)
Morecambe - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Scott Oldham
Assistant Referee - Scott Williams
Assistant Referee - Gary Maskell
Fourth Official - Michael Burrows
Attendance:
9,225 (678 away)
