In a quiet opening to the game the first of few chances fell to Lee Peacock whose deflected shot spun just wide. Five minutes later McNamee's mazy run and cross forced the Carlisle keeper to punch the ball clear. Though neither side dominated, Swindon created more openings in the first half, with Simon Cox and McNamee both forcing good saves out of Carlisle's Tim Krul.
Carlisle's best effort came in the 45th minute, but a goalmouth scramble eventually led to nothing. Though Carlisle started well after the break, with Cleveland Taylor heading straight at Phil Smith in the opening exchanges, it was Swindon who took the lead after a disastrous attempt at clearance sliced off Murphy's boot and into his own net.
Tricky winger McNamee crossed from the left and the hapless defender smashed the ball into his own goal past horrified keeper Krul. Top-scorer Cox should have settled the game, but his audacious overhead kick hit the woodwork and bounced clear six minutes from time. Swindon were made to pay just four minutes later when Carlisle skipper Thirlwell fired home from 20 yards to rescue a point for the Cumbrians.