The Pilgrims had recovered from Luke Armstrong's early goal to lead at half-time through Jordy Hiwula and Maguire - but the match unravelled spectacularly just after the hour mark when Maguire handled on the line, was duly red carded and Regan Linney levelled from the spot.

An Alex Lankshear own goal put the Cumbrians ahead before a late brace from David Ajiboye and another effort from Bevis Mugabi deep into stoppage time sealed the Pilgrims' fate at Brunton Park.

The Pilgrims did not start well in Cumbria and ceded plenty of early possession to the hosts, who were searching for a third victory of the season against their visitors. Harvey Macadam, the scorer of two goals in the reverse fixture, lifted an effort off target in the 13th minute.

Maguire drilled United's first effort wide - and Carlisle took the lead in the 24th minute when ARMSTRONG struck from close-range, after the Pilgrims had failed to clear a set-piece delivery into the box.

The Pilgrims levelled eight minutes before half-time when Maguire produced a moment of magic to spin away from Hayden Atkinson before delivering a fabulous cross which was met by the onrushing HIWULA, who dummied back on to his left foot to beat Gabriel Breeze.

Boston turned the tables three minutes later when Luca Barrington got away down the left to pull the ball back for MAGUIRE to score with aplomb at Breeze's near post.

The Pilgrims had further chances at the start of the second period, with Breeze denying Barrington, before substitute Greg Sloggett headed against the crossbar and Tom Cursons was unable to steer the rebound over the line.

The match swung decisively three minutes later when Maguire stopped Ajiboye's header on the line - with his hands. He was dismissed and LINNEY sailed home the equaliser, despite Dan Cameron diving the right way.

United introduced three substitutes shortly afterwards and it was one of those - LANKSHEAR - who inadvertently stabbed the ball past Cameron to hand Carlisle a 73rd minute lead.

Marcel Lavinier was acrobatically denied by Breeze as Boston pushed forward - but their fate was sealed with AJIBOYE crashed home a brilliant effort at the near post after meeting a cross from the left.

AJIBOYE and MUGABI added goals five and six as the Pilgrims' afternoon completely disintegrated in the dying moments.

Carlisle (4-2-3-1): Gabriel Breeze; Hayden Atkinson (Jack Ellis 86), Bevis Mugabi, Morgan Feeney (Terell Thomas 80), Ryan Galvin (Cameron Harper 86); Alex Gilliead, Harvey Macadam; David Ajiboye, Stephen Wearne (Callum Whelan 90), Regan Linney; Luke Armstrong (Hugh Parker 90). Subs (not used): Chris Conn-Clarke, Archie Mair (gk).

Boston (4-2-3-1): Dan Cameron; Connor Teale, Jake Rooney (Greg Sloggett 52), Jamie Grimes, Matty Carson; Jordan Richards, Oisin Gallagher; Luca Barrington (Marcel Lavinier 68), Frankie Maguire, Jordy Hiwula (Alex Lankshear 68); Tom Cursons (Lenell John-Lewis 68). Subs (not used): Jacob Hazel, Ken Aboh, Rhys Lovett (gk).

Referee: Callum Jones.

Attendance: 6,450 (196 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.