Paul Lewis looked to have rescued a point when cancelling out Tobi Sho-Silva's opener, but Jordan Gibson converted from the penalty spot deep into added time. Here are our player ratings from Brunton Park...
5. Ali Koiki
Unable to make the most of numerous crossing positions in the first-half and was then pushed back in a scrappy second. At the centre of the late drama. He may well have been fouled but there was no excuse for picking the ball up before the whistle had gone, resulting in the free-kick which led to the penalty... 5
6. Shaun McWilliams
He was one of the main reasons Cobblers bossed things in the first-half and that became particularly apparent after he had to be withdrawn at the break due to injury. The away side's grip on the game loosened without him... 6.5
7. Jack Sowerby
Things were going to plan in the opening 45 minutes when he worked in tandem with McWilliams to control the flow of the game and keep Cobblers on top. But his influence waned as Carlisle turned the tide... 6
8. Paul Lewis
Heavily involved in the first-half when he won knockdowns, supported attacks and combined with those around him. Saw one good chance blocked. More of a bystander when pushed into a deeper role due to McWilliams' departure, until he ghosted into the box to head Cobblers level... 6.5 CHRON STAR MAN