It was the whole hearted running of Joe Anyinsah, who started his career began in the Robins' academy, which was the decisive difference between the two sides.
Youngster John Akinde ran well and early on sent a skimming header just over the bar after Danny Haynes had put in a near post cross from deep on the right.
Akinde was even closer mid-way through the half with a flick on which sent Haynes accelerating through Carlisle's defence.
With the goalkeeper to beat he was stopped deep inside the box by a perfect challenge from centre-back Danny Livesey. It was from behind but so inch-perfect Haynes hardly looked for a penalty.
Carlisle were always looking the more dangerous and no one impressed more than Anyinsah.
One run found a gap in City's back line and the threat developed with Paul Thirlwell sliding a pass to Kevan Hurst who shot poorly to go beyond the post.
City were even luckier when David Raven missed a chance in front of goal with home keeper Dean Gerken flapping before Tom Taiwo was given a free shot from 20 yards which hit Gerken's right hand post.
Carlisle kept their enterprising spirit topped up well into the second half and it all came good for them when Matty Robson out-paced Christian Ribeiro down the left on the hour for Scott Dobie to steer his shot well away from the keeper to give the Cumbrian side the lead.
Anyinsah then finished off his old club winning possesion on the right for Madine to thump the ball into the right had corner.