Carlisle United 5 Chester City 0

It was the least the Cumbrians deserved and, with a little more composure from top scorer Karl Hawley, a cricket score could have been on the cards.

Ex-Leeds and Newcastle United striker Michael Bridges was the chief tormentor, with a hand in four of the goals.

The home side found top gear from the kick-off and it was no surprise when Adam Murray twisted and turned before firing past Stephane Gillet after 14 minutes.

Hawley went close several times before Bridges showed why Leeds United had once paid £5million for him.

Picking the ball up on the halfway line, Bridges jinked past four defenders with frightening ease and finished with a curling shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards. That goal, on the stroke of half-time, left the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Veteran Michael Branch had the chance to put City halfway there, but his 48th minute penalty was hit straight down the middle and Keiren Westwood saved with his legs.

Carlisle then camped themselves in Chester's half and within ten minutes Chris Lumsdon fired home from the spot after Hawley was sent tumbling.

Adam Murray, Hawley and Bridges all went agonisingly close without hitting the target before Hawley bagged his 19th of the season.

Man-of-the-match Bridges played the ball through for Hawley to beat the desperate offside trap and he took his chance early, finishing well from 20 yards.