Walsall manager Darrell Clarke was left frustrated by his side’s missed chance and the manner in which they conceded Carlisle’s winner.
The Saddlers fell behind in the second half before Elijah Adebayo struck to draw the hosts level at the Banks’s Stadium.
Skipper James Clarke was sent off just seven minutes later and the Cumbrians made their one-man advantage count as Harry McKirdy scored a 94th minute winner.
Clarke was bitterly disappointed after the game and was left to rue missed opportunities.
“In my opinion we’ve had plenty of chances to win the game, we should win the game,” Clarke said.
“That’s the biggest disappointment for me, the last two minutes.
“The goal is shocking, an absolutely shocking goal.
“That comes down to mentality and backing off.
“Yeah we’re down to 10 men but we have to be brave and make good decisions.
“It’s a mentality thing with some of them.
“If you go out there you’ve got (Mat) Sadler, (Danny) Guthrie and (Josh) Gordon - three strong-minded players.
“But that’s it, the rest of them are in development really for me.
“We’ll go again in three days, but we’re disappointed.
Clarke felt the Saddlers created more chances than Chris Beech’s side on the day.
That has been the story in a number of games at the Banks’s Stadium so far this season and the Walsall boss has stressed that their home form must improve.
“The reason why we aren’t in the top seven or the top half of the table is because we haven’t won enough home games,” he explained.
“It’s as simple as that.
“That’s a bit down to mentality at times.
“I thought we moved the ball quite well at times and created opportunities yet again.
“We had more opportunities and we’re probably the better team on the day.
“Carlisle have dug in and they took the advantage of the 10 men."
The Saddlers now turn their attention to the visit of Leyton Orient on New Year’s Day.
Tickets are still available for the game. Call the Ticket Office on 01922 651 414/416 or visit our e-ticketing site.