It was a moment Carlisle United and their fans had waited a long time for.

A very, very long time.

Five games and 88 minutes of League Two action had passed at Brunton Park without a Blues goal.

United were on the brink of setting an unwanted club record for consecutive home games without scoring.

News and Star: Tristan Abrahams controls the ball before shooting (photo: Barbara Abbott)Tristan Abrahams controls the ball before shooting (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Then up stepped Tristan Abrahams with a dramatic late winner against Walsall.

The substitute's goal in the closing stages earned the Cumbrians their first win in 13 league games and helped them move out of the relegation zone in the process.

News and Star: Abrahams, right, sends the ball past Walsall keeper Carl Rushworth (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams, right, sends the ball past Walsall keeper Carl Rushworth (photo: Barbara Abbott)

The striker got on the end of a Callum Guy free-kick which Rod McDonald had helped into the penalty area - and finished clinically past visiting goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.

News and Star: Abrahams turns away to celebrate with Jordan Gibson (photo : Barbara Abbott)Abrahams turns away to celebrate with Jordan Gibson (photo : Barbara Abbott)

It was the frontman's fourth goal of the season - and, in the circumstances, by far his most important.

News and Star: Abrahams, pursued by Corey Whelan, right, sets off towards the dugout after scoring (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams, pursued by Corey Whelan, right, sets off towards the dugout after scoring (photo: Barbara Abbott)

The summer signing, after scoring, set off on a sprint towards the dugout as he celebrated United's crucial goal.

News and Star: Abrahams and Whelan beam in delight as United beat Walsall (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams and Whelan beam in delight as United beat Walsall (photo: Barbara Abbott)

The 22-year-old was pursued by relieved and jubilant team-mates.

News and Star: Abrahams points to the dugout after breaking the deadlock for United against Walsall (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams points to the dugout after breaking the deadlock for United against Walsall (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

The striker was then embraced by Blues colleagues beside the pitch, as manager Keith Millen focused on ensuring United could see out the much-needed result.

News and Star: Team-mates smother Abrahams after his dramatic goal (photo: Barbara Abbott)Team-mates smother Abrahams after his dramatic goal (photo: Barbara Abbott)

News and Star: Abrahams is mobbed by team-mates (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams is mobbed by team-mates (photo: Barbara Abbott)

That they did - as Abrahams left Brunton Park their first league matchwinner since early September.

News and Star: Abrahams applauds United's fans at full-time (photo: Barbara Abbott)Abrahams applauds United's fans at full-time (photo: Barbara Abbott)