Jordan Gibson scored a first career hat-trick but manager Paul Simpson says Carlisle’s match-winner should have finished with four goals against Bolton.
Gibson, who had never previously netted even a senior double, fired a 44th-minute equalising penalty after Jon Mellish’s own goal put the Trotters in front.
He added further goals in the 70th and 95th minutes as the Cumbrians secured a 3-1 Sky Bet League One victory.
The visitors also missed a first-half penalty through Joe Garner after Kyle Dempsey’s foul on Sean Maguire, and Simpson revealed: “We had talked for weeks that Jordan Gibson is on penalties.
“But we didn’t talk before the game because I automatically thought Gibbo was on them.
“He got the ball but the next time I looked Joe was on it. I will never criticise players for missing pens but stick with what the plan is. Fortunately, we got away with it.
“We have spoken for weeks about penalties we have not been getting but we got two today.
“We have said Jordan should be getting more goals. So, what an achievement to come to a place like Bolton and score a hat-trick.
“It was an outstanding performance. I am delighted we scored three goals, I am delighted with the football we played but that was built on a solid, team performance.
“It showed discipline to go and do the horrible side of the game, to chase and to tackle. We have had games with bits of that performance but that result we have been waiting for, especially with so many fans backing us.”
Bolton, chasing a third successive league win, faded badly after the boost of Mellish’s own goal.
“We looked devoid of energy, devoid of ideas second half, we looked flat and we looked leggy,” admitted Wanderers boss Ian Evatt.
“We lacked zest and energy and those are the foundations everything else is built from.
“This was probably one game too far with the lack of options to rotate and freshen up.
“There were too many players under par. We get ahead but the two penalties were an absolute joke.
“I am sure neither were penalties but we had chances which we didn’t take.
“We huffed and we puffed but their second goal goes in via a deflection and then we make a crazy decision at the end with Nathan (Baxter) going up with still four minutes left.
“That said, Nathan was outstanding in the game. This international break has come at the right time.”