The new season started at Brunton Park with three goals in 13 minutes and two red cards in the 34th.
York City player-manager Chris Brass was one of those sent off but he still saw his team come away with a win.
The 28-year-old was sent off after a clash with Carlisle striker Steve Livingstone ended with them both rolling on the ground.
Brass said: "I have had a chat with the referee. He said blows were exchanged but I can put my hand on my heart and say I can't remember throwing any punches.
“I am appealing and hopefully there won't be a three-match ban.
“It was a great victory. We deserved to take an early lead and showed a lot of character to get another goal once they had equalised.
“Every one of my players comes out with great credit. I can't praise them enough." Carlisle boss Roddy Collins admitted: "I am very disappointed. We kept our heads to get back to 1-1 after the early goal, but we gave away a sloppy second goal." On the sending off the Carlisle boss said: "It was 50-50 - both had to go or both had to stay on - but it was all handbags." In the searing heat York set the game on fire in the 58th second.
Darren Edmondson, the former Brunton Park favourite, got to the United byline and crossed to Lee Bullock at the far post.
Matty Glennon reacted superbly to keep out his point-blank header and even to recover in time to save Christian Fox's follow-up effort but there was nothing he could do to stop Bullock bundling the rebound over the line for the opening goal.
United were level three minutes later. Edmondson fouled Richie Foran and Paul Simpson's perfect free kick was met by Paul Raven who steered the ball home with a 12-yard header.
In the 13th minute York regained the lead. A Brass free kick and Bullock knock down caught Raven cold and Lee Nogan nipped in to finish coolly past Glennon from 14 yards.