In a pulsating second half that swung from end to end, midfielder James Boucher unleashed a 30-yard screamer that nestled in the top of the net for one of the finest strikes ever seen at the Calvert Stadium.

Town worked their socks off for this victory against a Carlisle side who twice equalised after the break and were unlucky to come up against goalkeeper Ben Fairless in terrific form.

“We deserved the win for our fantastic never-say-die attitude and work-rate tonight,” said manager Jamie Poole. “It was wonderful entertainment for the fans – but maybe not good for your heart!”

With new striker Lewis Martin injured, Northallerton were forced into another rejig, with Ben Creamer recalled on the right wing. Midfielder Charlie Thompson and defender Blake Drury, newly arrived on dual registration with Pickering Town, were named on the bench.

There was little to choose between the sides in a goalless first half. Town pressed energetically and Carlisle had a couple of chances to break the deadlock. The visitors stepped up a gear at the start of the second period when Fairless made a series of excellent saves to keep them at bay.

The ‘keeper excelled by tipping a goalbound shot on to a post and showed quick reactions to save again from the follow-up effort.

Carlisle’s pressure paid off after 53 minutes when Josh Palmer put them ahead. Their lead lasted just four minutes, however, before new boy Thompson levelled.

City ‘keeper Aaran Taylor and his defenders managed to scramble away a Boucher shot but substitute Thompson fired the ball over the line for a debut goal.

The excitement continued as Northallerton retook the lead just after the hour when this time Thompson turned creator. His pass was met by centre-forward Eddie Thomas who converted through a crowded goalmouth.

Carlisle were not giving up easily and levelled again in the 70th minute when Robert McCartney was left free at the far post to beat Fairless. A draw looked likely at that stage, but Boucher had other ideas.

Finding space just inside the City half, the midfielder drilled his left-footed effort from long range to perfection. ‘Keeper Taylor was left clawing at thin air as the ball sailed into the roof of the net.

Northallerton threw bodies on the line to defend their advantage in the closing stages and could have increased their lead with the final kick of the game, but Thompson’s effort hit a post.

Northallerton Town: Fairless, Wilson, Littlefair, Hopson (Sartini 65), McNamara, Harnett (Drury 78), Creamer (86), Boucher, Thomas, Davies (Thompson 42), Kilpatrick (Stapley 63).

Carlisle City: Taylor, Kelly (Short 75), Gordon, Buckmaster, Olsen (Archibald 81), Walker, McCartney, Holt, Birdsall, Palmer, Irving.

Subs not used: Tedford, Kerr.

Att: 203.