Dangerman Ian Moore fired in a stinging drive from the edge of the area that keeper Keiren Westwood brilliantly palmed out, only for Richie Humphreys to snap up the rebound and score from a tight angle. Carlisle levelled just four minutes later when Danny Carlton made space on the 18-yard line to chip the ball in for Garner to head home from six yards.
But Pools went back in front in the 48th minute, Moore racing fully 40 yards into Carlisle's box before crossing for Humphreys to claim his second. Jeff Smith replaced Graham after 64 minutes and was an instant hit, scoring with his first touch. Pools' defence was in a tangle as David Raven headed across the box for him to fire in his first goal of the season and put the Cumbrians back on level terms.
The visitors defence was caught napping again in the 69th minute with Garner fastening on to a long ball down the middle and firing the home side in front. With their tails up, Carlisle came close to another and the irrepressible Garner was inches away from his hat-trick with a fizzing 84th minute drive which skimmed the Hartlepool bar.
Finally Chris Lumsdon sent Simon Hackney racing clear in time added on and he cleverly beat stranded keeper Jan Budtz before adding United's fourth. Hackney's fifth goal of the season sealing Carlisle's eighth home win in ten league games as they look to stay firmly in the League One promotion race.