PICTURE GALLERY: AFC Wimbledon boss praises defeated Carlisle United

Paul Robinson grabbed the all-important goal just after the break – bundling home a rebound after substitute keeper Dan Hanford could not hold onto Lyle Taylor’s free-kick.

Hanford had only just entered the action after Carlisle’s first choice stopper was sent off for a professional foul on Tom Elliott that led to the free-kick.

However, before and after the decisive moment, Carlisle were the better team – hitting the woodwork twice and being guilty of missing some golden chances.

None-more-so than in the opening exchanges when former Don Charlie Wyke blazed over when clean through on goal.

But, from the Dons’ perspective, the three points lifted them to fifth in the League Two table.

Ardley said: “I thought Carlisle were excellent. I normally talk about my own team, but we got into fight mode a little bit because they were so good at it in the first half.

“They picked up a lot of seconds – there were things we were not doing right and we did not get a platform to play our game.

“At half-time we made it clear how we could find a way to win the game, and we did that in the first five minutes of the second half.

“Then, credit to Keith [Curle, Carlisle boss], they went three at the back, and when that happens I want my wide men to get as high and as wide as possible to cause them a problem.

“But we were having to deal with second balls so much and they pushed two out wide, so we never got the chance to get forward, and it did not feel like 11v10.”

He added: “It was a blatant red card - Tom rounded the keeper, he’s going to score and it’s stopped a goal-scoring opportunity, so that was right.

“Then it took ages for the keeper to come on, but we thought if we can just get it on target, he’s just walked on so let’s cause him a problem, and he’s made a good save, but the boys have followed it up well.

“I was delighted with that and with the three points.”