Very few saves to make, as Tamworth got in once through Calder’s close-range header, and the post saved United on other occasions.

KENTON RICHARDSON – 7

On his first start, defender saw plenty of the ball early on and used it solidly and crisply – while his cross forced the pressure for Linney’s second.

BRAD NICHOLSON – 6

Another regular diet of long throws, to mixed effect, was steady in the main in his defensive duties and riled Donnelly late on.

TOM ANDERSON – 6

A largely solid central defensive display from Anderson, whose experience was important in anxious closing stages.

LEO DURU – 8

Increasingly the find of the season, the right-back showed great gusto in both defence and attack and would be man of the match but for Linney’s brace and how Calder got ahead of him to score.

HARVEY BUNKER – 6

Had to put in a competitive midfield shift and did that without standing out. Bunker was aggressive in his duties although United needed more control in second half.

CALLUM WHELAN – 7

Back in the side as captain, the midfielder made some bright runs and was involved in some positive work overall as United got on top.

TEDDY JENKS – 6

Threatened to break into the game without every truly doing so. Midfielder tried to press forward into dangerous positions and kept going even if end result was limited.

STEPHEN WEARNE – 6

Given unfamiliar role on left, Wearne linked a couple of bright early attacks, including move for opener. Switched from wing to centre and back and was eager without putting real stamp on things.

REGAN LINNEY – 8

The frontman’s outstanding volleyed finish proved the difference, after he earned a break for United’s opener. Couldn’t reach his hat-trick but Carlisle were grateful to Linney in the end here.

MICAH OBIERO – 7

Given a start in attack, Obiero did some good, hungry work to stretch Tamworth’s defence and lead the line. Unable to take a couple of decent chances although forced Linney's opener.

Subs: Toby Mullarkey – Steady return in defence. 6

Josh Williams – Mixed bag on left. 6

David Ajiboye – Failed to kill it late on. 6

Ryan Galvin – Involved in late break for Ajiboye miss. 6

Will Rafferty – Positive late cameo for teen debutant. 7

Star man – Regan Linney. Carlisle once again failed to take numerous chances so let us be glad of those that they did – with Linney to the fore. Duru was excellent for the most part, but Linney is the reason United are in the hat.