Match ends, Northampton Town 0, Carlisle United 2.
Carlisle boosted their League Two survival hopes with an impressive win at play-off hopefuls Northampton.
After a goalless first half, Jason Kennedy put the visitors ahead when he slotted in Kyle Dempsey's square ball.
Dempsey soon doubled the advantage with a header from David Amoo's cross.
The Cobblers' best chances saw James Gray's header saved by Dan Hanford and Brendon Moloney firing over the bar as they suffered their second defeat in three league games.
It means Chris Wilder's side are now four points off a play-off place while Carlisle move three points clear of the relegation zone.
Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder tells BBC Radio Northampton:
"It's a below par performance from us. We didn't have our usual zip.
"They were happy to sit deep and we needed to have more quality in the final third. They've hit us on the break with two quick goals.
"However, we've had some good news that Ricky Holmes won't require an operation on his injury. We'll evaluate when he can come back."
Line-ups
Northampton
Formation 4-4-1-1
- 1Duke
- 2Moloney
- 36Cresswell
- 6CollinsSubstituted forBodinat 74'minutes
- 33NeweyBooked at 66mins
- 11Hackett
- 21Taylor
- 4CarterSubstituted forByromat 76'minutes
- 19D'Ath
- 10O'TooleSubstituted forToneyat 70'minutes
- 14Gray
Substitutes
- 7Bodin
- 16Diamond
- 17Perry
- 24Toney
- 25Byrom
- 28Warburton
- 42Jalal
Carlisle
Formation 4-4-1-1
- 20Hanford
- 31YoungBooked at 75mins
- 23O'Hanlon
- 2Grainger
- 18Brough
- 7AmooSubstituted forThirlwellat 81'minutes
- 4Kennedy
- 35CorrySubstituted forPaynterat 64'minutes
- 16PottsBooked at 83mins
- 22Dempsey
- 25AsamoahSubstituted forRiggat 64'minutesBooked at 90mins
Substitutes
- 5Buddle
- 9Paynter
- 12Thirlwell
- 21Rigg
- 24Spiegel
- 26Wyke
- 34Griffith
- Referee:
- Tim Robinson
- Attendance:
- 3,682
Match Stats
- Possession
- Home51%
- Away49%
- Shots
- Home12
- Away7
- Shots on Target
- Home2
- Away3
- Corners
- Home7
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home8
- Away5
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Northampton Town 0, Carlisle United 2.
Post update
Attempt missed. Joel Byrom (Northampton Town) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
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Corner, Northampton Town. Conceded by Danny Grainger.
Booking
Steven Rigg (Carlisle United) is shown the yellow card.
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Foul by Ryan Cresswell (Northampton Town).
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Danny Grainger (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Tom Newey (Northampton Town).
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Brad Potts (Carlisle United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Attempt missed. Joel Byrom (Northampton Town) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
Booking
Brad Potts (Carlisle United) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Joel Byrom (Northampton Town) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Billy Paynter (Carlisle United).
Substitution
Substitution, Carlisle United. Paul Thirlwell replaces David Amoo.
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Foul by Jason Taylor (Northampton Town).
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Billy Paynter (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Northampton Town. Joel Byrom replaces Darren Carter.
Booking
Matt Young (Carlisle United) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Foul by Lawson D'Ath (Northampton Town).
Post update
Billy Paynter (Carlisle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.