Bunker’s Double
Harvey Bunker, the 27-year-old midfielder, opened the scoring for Carlisle United with a well-placed finish that put the Blues two goals ahead. He followed this with a second, a late header that mirrored his first goal at Brunton Park against Forest Green Rovers in October. The brace was Bunker’s first two-goal haul of his career and his first double in the 2025/26 campaign. It also marked the quickest scoring start by a United midfielder in the season, a feat not seen since Steve Soley netted three goals in Carlisle’s opening three Division Three games in 2000/01. Bunker’s tally of three goals in his first three appearances matches the total he scored for Forest Green Rovers last season, a record that underlines his growing threat in attack.
Goal-Heavy Match
The 4-1 scoreline was the most eventful start to a season for Carlisle in terms of goals scored. The club had netted seven goals in their first three league fixtures, while conceding five, a total of 12 that has not been surpassed since the 2015/16 season. The match saw a total of five goals, with Adam Desbois making a man-of-the-match-worthy performance between the posts and Miguel Azeez and Leo Duru also featuring as potential candidates. Hornchurch’s Joe Kizzi added a consolation goal, but Desbois’ saves prevented a higher tally. The game also highlighted the Blues’ defensive frailties, with early lapses allowing Jabo Ibehre to score for the visitors. Carlisle’s coach Rob Elliot expressed frustration at a missed penalty call against Miguel Azeez, which could have altered the outcome.
Ellis Returns
Jack Ellis made a useful return to the midfield, assisting Bunker’s first goal and contributing to the team’s physical presence. The 22-year-old, who had been used in right-back earlier in the season, started 14 of Carlisle’s home games last season, contributing to ten wins and three draws. His home record at Brunton Park has been strong, with only a single defeat to York City. Elliot’s decision to deploy Ellis over Cameron Harper in the match against Hornchurch reflects a preference for the player’s physicality in the midfield.
Looking Ahead
Carlisle’s home run record remains solid, but the team will need to maintain momentum in the upcoming fixtures. The next home games include Scunthorpe United, Southend United (who have won all three of their home matches this season), and Forest Green Rovers. With 18 shut-outs in the previous season, the Blues will aim to secure more clean sheets as the campaign progresses.
