Happy New Year! Carlisle United celebrate dramatic win

Carlisle United's dramatic 2-1 win over Port Vale gave a timely boost to the Blues' survival hopes.

Here are some of the key images from a crucial day at Brunton Park, as captured by photographers Barbara Abbott and Ben Holmes.

Jordan Gibson's penalty levelled the scores in the 80th minute (Image: Barbara Abbott)

United, trailing to Ben Garrity's goal early in the second half, finally equalised in the 80th minute when Jack Robinson was fouled in the box and Jordan Gibson made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Gibson strikes the penalty (Image: Ben Holmes)Gibson retrieves the ball after scoring (Image: Ben Holmes)

Jordan Gibson with the ball after his penalty (Image: Barbara Abbott)

United then went for the win - and got it in added time when Jon Mellish headed home Jack Robinson's corner.

Jon Mellish heads home (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Jon Mellish (No22) wins the crucial header (Image: Ben Holmes)

The goal triggered big celebrations at a relieved Brunton Park - as did the final whistle, which confirmed United's much-needed result...

Jon Mellish celebrates his goal (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Jon Mellish celebrates his goal (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Jon Mellish celebrates his goal with provider Jack Robinson (Image: Barbara Abbott)

United celebrate the winning goal in front of the Paddock (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Ben Barclay shows his joy at the winner (Image: Ben Holmes)

Jon Mellish, centre and Sam Lavelle, celebrate the winner (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Mellish is mobbed (Image: Ben Holmes)

Owen Moxon congratulates Jon Mellish (Image: Ben Holmes)

Owen Moxon congratulates Jon Mellish (Image: Ben Holmes)

Owen Moxon congratulates Jon Mellish (Image: Ben Holmes)

Jordan Gibson is congratulated after the game (Image: Ben Holmes)

Ryan Edmondson shows his emotions at United's victory (Image: Ben Holmes)

Substitute Edmondson's delight at the win is clear (Image: Ben Holmes)

Gabe Breeze is all smiles after a victorious home debut (Image: Ben Holmes)

Josh Emmanuel can't hide his delight (Image: Ben Holmes)

Carlisle players leave the pitch after the victory (Image: Ben Holmes)

Paul Simpson applauds the fans after the game (Image: Ben Holmes)

Matchwinner Mellish salutes the fans (Image: Ben Holmes)

Ryan Edmondson and Jon Mellish after the win (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Carlisle fans celebrate Mellish's winner (Image: Ben Holmes)

The winning moment 🙌#cufc pic.twitter.com/QZMpcF5FCi

— Jon Colman (@joncolman) January 1, 2024