They followed up their home win over Easington Colliery with their biggest away win of the season to put them on 51 points – a fitting reward for a squad that has exceeded expectations after years of bitter relegation battles.

Just as satisfying for manager Jason Newall was the sight of four different players on the scoresheet in a dominant performance that thrilled their large contingent of travelling supporters.

It leaves Alistair Banks and Nathan Stephenson sharing Northallerton’s version of the golden boot with seven goals apiece as thoughts now turn to a summer of squad strengthening.

Town took the lead in the 22nd minute through skipper Liam Darville. Banks was the provider as the visitors broke quickly from their own half. Banks squared the ball neatly for Darville to poke it home from close range.

Carlisle equalised in the 42nd minute through an Adam Gordon header but Northallerton retook the lead almost immediately through Matthew Tew. ‘Keeper Callum Dobson launched a long ball to find Banks, and the forward provided a second assist as Tew ran past the retreating home defence and planted his shot in the net.

In a dramatic end to the first half, Town extended their lead a minute later. Lee Hume made a powerful run from his own half before losing his footing on the edge of the area.

What he couldn’t have expected was that Carlisle ‘keeper Scott Simons would miscue his clearance straight to him. Hume gleefully accepted the gift with a skilful conversion.

The home side’s uphill task became virtually insurmountable when Adam Walker made it four after 61 minutes. This time the provider was Tew, who slotted in the perfect pass to Walker on the edge of the area.

The midfielder turned before firing a powerful shot into the net. It was no less than Northallerton deserved for another whole-hearted display from a group of players who have gelled so impressively in the last few months.

Carlisle City: Simons, A Gordon, Leslie (Lightfoot 35), Simpson (Cairns 67), O’Brien (Kirkup 79), Smith, Mahone (Mitchinson 59), Skinner, Irving, Blair, Kelly (Gordon 74).

Northallerton Town: Dobson, Coatsworth, Galbraith (Cocks 75), Darville, Harwood, Allen, Hume, Walker, Croft (Nicholas 72), Banks, Tew (Stapley 64).

Man of the Match: Lee Hume.