Meanwhile, Carlisle will have to improve a record that has seen them take only three points from their last seven away games if they are to maintain their promotion aspirations. It was an entertaining game with a regular supply of chances, but the only decisive one arrived in the 20th minute.
Cheltenham defender Andy Gallinagh supplied on-loan winger Michael D'Agostino and his neat turn took him away down the right. D'Agostino crossed low for leading scorer Steven Gillespie and although his first shot was blocked, he recovered to fire a low effort beyond goalkeeper Keiren Westwood for his ninth goal of the season.
Carlisle's best chances fell to striker Joe Garner who sent two headers close and volleyed just over the bar from the edge of the box late in the game. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson also drew a good save from goalkeeper Shane Higgs, but Cheltenham had their chances as well.
Alex Russell, another on-loan midfielder who was at the heart of most of their creative moments, rattled the crossbar with a 20-yarder and Steve Brooker volleyed wide at the far post after more good work from D'Agostino. Cheltenham will need to keep hold of those loan stars if their form is to continue, but on this evidence they can continue to look up the table rather than over their shoulder.