Despite Ben Garrity's opener the Valiants start the New Year with defeat in Cumbria
It took up until the quarter hour mark for the first real chance of the game when Ethan Chislett had a sight of goal around 25 yards out. But the midfielder’s effort rolled wide of the far post.
Four minutes later James Wilson had a strike from a similar range but this time on the left. However it was the same result with the ball flying wide.
Just after the half hour mark the hosts came close to an opener following a set piece. The free kick was whipped in from the left and initially cleared but only as far as Jack Robinson who saw his shot fly over the crossbar.
A couple of minutes later Carlisle again looked dangerous from a set piece. Another free kick was put into the area and found Sam Lavelle at the back post but the defender’s attempt was easy for Connor Ripley to deal with.
United had several opportunities in the final ten minutes of the first half. First Jordan Gibson forced a great save out of Ripley who had to tip his effort over the bar. Shortly afterwards Taylor Charters had a shot which went inches wide of the post from just outside the area.
After soaking up the pressure in the first half, the Valiants made the hosts pay for their missed chances and took the lead on 49 minutes. An excellently worked short corner gave Chislett room on the left to send in a low drilled ball to the area for the waiting Ben Garrity whose shot had too much power for Gabe Breeze to deal with as it hit the back of the net to put us in front.
Just after the hour mark the Valiants came again. The ball dropped for James Wilson 20 yards out but his shot was well saved before Chislett had a strike on the rebound but that too was saved by Breeze.
With ten minutes to go the hosts were awarded a penalty, Nathan Smith seemed to get a touch on the ball but referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot. Gibson stepped up and slotted the ball home for a late equaliser.
The hosts were looking to turn the game on its head. On 87 minutes Dan Butterworth turned and had a shot on the edge of the area but it went well over Ripley’s bar.
But that winner came in the third minute of stoppage time following a late corner with Jon Mellish getting the final touch as it crossed the line.
Carlisle United | Gabe Breeze, Owen Moxon, Sam Levelle, Jordan Gibson, Joe Garner (65’ Ryan Edmondson), Taylor Charters (75’ Alfie McCalmont), Jack Robinson, Jon Mellish, Sean Maguire (65’ Dan Butterworth), Ben Barclay, Joshua Emmanuel
Unused Subs | Tomas Holy, Jack Armer, Corey Whelan, Dylan McGeouch
Port Vale | Connor Ripley, Nathan Smith, Ben Garrity (81’ Kofi Balmer), Ethan Chislett, Alfie Devine, Uche Ikpeazu, Jason Lowe, Jack Shorrock (46’ Conor Grant), Jesse Debrah (29’ Alex Iacovitti), James Wilson (65’ Baylee Dipepa), Ben Lomax (46’ Gavin Massey)
Unused Subs | Jayson Leutwiler, Rhys Walters