Charlie Wyke double boosts Carlisle beyond Crawley
Two first-half goals from Charlie Wyke set Carlisle on their way to what turned out to be a comfortable 3-1 win over Crawley.
Rhys Murphy provided a glimmer of hope for Crawley when he pulled one back before half-time, but Jabo Ibhere's 12th goal of the season soon after the restart left the home side in command and kept them in the Sky Bet League Two play-off places.
Carlisle got off to a flying start with a second-minute goal from Wyke, whose near-post header found the top corner after a pacey run down the right flank and pinpoint cross from Alex Gilliead.
The Cumbrians were well on top in the early stages and Wyke would have rattled in a second but for a fine save by Darryl Flahavan as the striker broke free through the middle.
Carlisle doubled their lead in the 29th minute and again it was Wyke on the end of a move.
Gilliead put the ball into the box and Jason Kennedy's backheel supplied the striker with the chance to slot home right-footed from eight yards.
Crawley got back in the game in the 34th minute when Lewis Young's cross from the right was met by Murphy with a close-range diving header.
Ibehre quickly restored Carlisle's two-goal lead after the break, side-footing home first time from Luke Joyce's lofted ball into the box.
Wyke was inches away from connecting with Danny Grainger's tantalising cross as he went in search of his hat-trick with Carlisle dominating second-half possession.
Roarie Deacon's late effort for Crawley, which flew high over the bar, summed up their day.
Source: PA
