The Blues were dealt another devastating blow on home soil as they were defeated emphatically by Swindon Town.
Mike Williamson made three switches from Tuesday night’s defeat at Notts County - Terell Thomas, Will Patching and Kadeem Harris replaced Aaron Hayden, Sean Fusire and Cedwyn Scott.
It took United only one minute to have their first attempt on goal, some brilliant interlinking play down the left with Jordan Jones culminating with a cross to Kadeem Harris and the ball was turned behind for a corner which came to nothing.
Elliot Embleton would have the next chance as Mike Williamson’s side continued to apply early pressure, his shot was deflected away from goal after being played in by Joe Hugill, prior to the latter having his own chance which he lifted over the crossbar soon after.
On 11 minutes, the Blues’ push for the opening goal continued as Will Patching glanced a header just wide of Jack Bycroft’s goal following a cross from Harris on the left.
With only a quarter-of-an-hour gone, Jones was looking to manufacture the opener again, this time sending a perfect in-swinging cross to the far post but Josh Williams was unable to get the much-needed touch.
On several occasions in the opening half-hour, former United man, Dan Butterworth looked to cause a threat but was dealt with by the hosts’ defence.
The Robins’ right-back, Tunmise Sobowale continued to be caused issues by Jordan Jones and United’s number 11 was adjudged to have gone down without a touch and was booked for simulation when through on goal.
On 43 minutes, Tom Nichols fired at goal but was denied by Gabe Breeze after being picked out by Butterworth.
Seconds before the interval, Butterworth broke the deadlock against his former side, slamming home at the near post past Breeze after the aforementioned pair linked up once again.
HALF-TIME: United 0-1 Swindon Town
Two minutes into the second-half, substitute Aaron Drinan doubled the visitors’ advantage, firing home via the far post of United’s goal.
Harris had a fine opportunity to reduce the deficit after battling his way towards goal, before looking to square the ball to the arriving Joe Hugill but the Robins’ goalkeeper collected it.
Goalscorer of Swindon’s second, Aaron Drinan, showed great drive and endeavour to create a chance for Harry Smith, but the forward somehow poked his effort wide from close range.
Bycroft was forced to deny Hugill’s low drive on the hour-mark, the resulting corner then came to nothing.
On 66 minutes, Jones was shown his second yellow card and ultimately sent off for the same reason as the first in the referee’s view - simulation.
18 minutes from time, Nnamdi Ofoborh lashed wide and was inches from making it three for the visitors.
On 83 minutes, Joe Westley tapped home to confirm all three points for the Robins following a well-worked move in the build-up.
Three minutes later, Breeze made a stop to prevent Tshimanga making it four before United went up the opposite end shortly after and found a consolation through Hugill, prior to Glatzel and Wright finding the net to see the visitors run out as 5-1 winners.
FULL-TIME: United 1-5 Swindon Town
Teams:
Carlisle United - Breeze, Thomas, Lavelle ©, Jones, Hugill, McArthur, Williams, Harris (80’ Fusire), Patching (70’ Bevan), Whelan (80’ Robson), Embleton (54’ Scott)
Unused subs - Lewis, Harper, Barclay
Swindon Town - Bycroft, Sobowale, Delaney, Wright, Ofoborh (74’ Westley), Clarke © (29’ Drinan), Smith (74’ Tshimanga), Cain, Nichols (62’ Cotterill), Kilkenny, Butterworth (74’ Glatzel)
Unused subs - Barden, Chard
Goals:
Carlisle United - (88’ Hugill)
Swindon Town - (45+2’ Butterworth), (47’ Drinan), (83’ Westley), (90’ Glatzel), (90+6' Wright)
Yellow cards:
Carlisle United - (36’ Jones)
Swindon Town - (64’ Smith), (89 Delaney)
Red cards:
Carlisle United - (66’ Jones)
Swindon Town - N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Ross Joyce
Assistant Referee - Jack Nield
Assistant Referee - Thomas Cooke
Fourth Official - Emmanuel Edet
Attendance:
7,457 (433 away)
