Carlisle United 2-1 Salford City

Carlisle celebrate the first EFL goal in front of spectators since March, scored by Lewis Alessandra

Carlisle propelled themselves into the League Two play-off places with a home win against Salford as fans returned to Brunton Park.

The 2,000 strong Carlisle fans roared on Chris Beech's side and they were on their feet as goals from Lewis Alessandra and Rhys Bennett did the damage.

Salford shot-stopper Vaclav Hladky produced a good save to keep Bennett out early on and Luke Burgess came close to a third goal in as many games for the visitors as his snapshot flew wide.

But Alessandra fired the hosts in front with a fine left-footed strike in the 34th minute.

Richie Wellens' Ammies came close to an equaliser as Ash Hunter's effort was kept out by Paul Farman.

The lead was doubled in the 56th minute as Bennett lost his marker to head home Callum Guy's free-kick.

Bennett almost doubled his tally nine minutes later as his effort was cleared off the line by Ibou Touray.

Alessandra volleyed over late on as he searched for a fifth goal of the season.

Di'Shon Bernard gave Salford late hope, netting his first goal for the club with a stoppage-time header.

Carlisle boss Chris Beech:

"When you have the fans back you want it to go well and the boys have put in the work to make sure that happened.

"It was just fantastic to hear them cheer for every tackle and you could see that it gave the lads an extra yard when they needed it.

"The fact that we've been able to share big moments with them is what this game is all about. The roar when the goals went in, you'd think there were 20,000 people here.

"We've missed this and, like I say, to be able to reward those people who have waited so long to back their team is the most special thing about it."

Match report supplied by PA Media