Paul Huntington has been credited with the goal that got Carlisle United back to winning ways.

The experienced defender has been awarded the first-half strike at Burton Albion which proved the winner.

Sam Lavelle was initially regarded as the scorer, with United saying after the game that both he and Huntington were satisfied it was his goal.

But manager Paul Simpson says the EFL’s dubious goals committee have awarded it to the 36-year-old Cumbrian instead.

“There's been a real debate going on because the dubious goals panel have given it to Hunts and taken it off Sam, which we're all a bit surprised about,” said Simpson.

“But Hunts is taking it.”

Lavelle appeared to have headed home Taylor Charters’ free-kick in the 27th-minute at the Pirelli Stadium (watch below)

But Huntington got the final touch and it means the veteran defender - who was recalled on Tuesday after a month out of the side - has scored his first goal of the season, and his first since Boxing Day 2022.

News and Star: Paul Huntington, who was recalled to the team on Tuesday, has been credited with the goalPaul Huntington, who was recalled to the team on Tuesday, has been credited with the goal (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson said that, regardless of who scored, the 1-0 victory was the most important factor and it has given the place a lift following the preceding miserable run of eight straight defeats.

“There was certainly a positive feeling on the coach coming back, that's a start,” said the manager.

“There's a positive feeling amongst the staff, and the players, that everybody gets a lift from it, because it does start to weigh down on you when you can't get a win for love nor money.

“So the fact that we've got it has given everybody a boost.

“And, like I've said, when you get a win you want to get a run going. So we've given ourselves that chance.

“And hopefully after the weekend, we're still saying that we've got a chance to keep a run going.”

United are back at Brunton Park on Saturday when fifth-bottom Reading are the visitors.