Luke Armstrong’s first-half effort proved just enough for Carlisle to edge past Morecambe in their National League clash at Brunton Park.
Armstrong broke a period of frustration for the home side when he converted from Regan Linney’s low cross deep into first-half injury time.
Mark Hughes’ men always looked more likely to add to their tally after the break as Linney shot straight at Gateshead keeper Jamal Blackman, then Stephen Wearne crashed a long-range effort against the bar.
But the hosts had keeper Gabriel Breeze to thank for preserving the points when he pulled off a superb save to deny Morecambe’s Emmerson Sutton in the 66th minute.