Northampton Town 3 Carlisle United 0: Former Blues boss Keith Curle brought Carlisle's winning run to an abrupt end after his Northampton side scored three second-half goals.

United's search for a record-equalling seventh straight victory was halted as Jack Bridge scored twice and sub Junior Morias completed the Cobblers' victory.

After an even first half where Carlisle had the better chances, they seldom looked like extending their run after the break.

Under joint caretaker bosses Tommy Wright and Paul Murray, they went behind on 47 minutes when Bridge arrived to fire high into the net after Gary Liddle's interception fell his way.

It was 2-0 on 62 minutes when Bridge attacked from the right, received the ball from Sam Foley and shot across Adam Collin with the outside of his foot.

United's defeat then worsened when a clearance ricocheted off Jack Sowerby, allowing Bridge to send Morias through to score.

Carlisle - who gave a first league start to teenager Liam McCarron - dropped a place to sixth in League Two.

Jamie Devitt, Sowerby and Hallam Hope had Carlisle's best chances in a goalless first 45 minutes.

On five minutes Gerrard made a crucial block as the hosts got behind United and fed Hoskins in the box. Bridge then went close with a free-kick for the Cobblers.

United then tried to hit back in an end-to-end contest. After Collin had saved an Andy Williams attempt, Carlisle quickly broke and, from a quick Danny Grainger throw, Hope went through to the left, but shot across goal.

Sowerby then drilled narrowly wide with a first-time shot, and was later denied by keeper David Cornell after linking with Hope.

The home No1 thwarted Carlisle again when he leapt to keep out a Devitt volley, Aaron Pierre then throwing himself in the way of Grainger's follow-up attempt.

Bridge then put the hosts ahead after the break, Gerrard then denying Aaron Pierre as Carlisle lost any real attacking impetus.

Hoskins again went close before Bridge made it two.

United's caretakers sent on new signing Connor Simpson for his debut but two minutes later Morias scored the hosts' third.

Another home sub Daniel Powell wasted a good chance for a fourth with Simpson and Richie Bennett unable to convert late United chances.

Elsewhere, Ashley Nadesan started for Fleetwood in their 2-2 draw with Oxford, meaning the striker - still a target for United among others - could not play for a third club this season.

Another loan man United want for a return, Jerry Yates, came off the bench for Rotherham against Ipswich, meaning he can also not play for a third club this campaign.

Northampton: Cornell, Facey, Cox (Buchanan 75), Pierre, Turnbull, Bridge, J Williams, McWilliams, Foley, Hoskins (Morias 63), A Williams (Powell 63). Not used: Coddington, Odoffin, Roberts, Bowditch.

United: Collin, Liddle, Gillesphey (Bennett 73), Parkes, Gerrard, Grainger, Etuhu, Sowerby, Devitt, McCarron (Simpson 62), Hope (Slater 90). Not used: Gray, Miller, Kennedy, Jones.