Jeff Hughes' fifth goal of the season put Bristol Rovers on level terms at the break after Graham Kavanagh's long-range rocket gave Carlisle United an early lead at Brunton Park.

The Pirates, looking for their fourth win in five away games, had to weather an early storm from the home side, but responded well to have the better of the first half and leave the home fans howling their disapproval.

Rovers, seeking to avenge their 3-2 defeat by the Cumbrians at the Memorial Stadium on the opening day of the season, named the same starting line-up and bench they had used in their 2-0 victory at Oldham in midweek.

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott had called for a flying start from his side - and his players supplied it.

They forced four successive corners in the opening three minutes and then made their breakthough in spectacular style a minute later.

Player-coach Kavanagh picked the ball up and set his sights before unleashing a ferocious right-footed strike from 35 yards which keeper Steve Phillips got a hand to but couldn't keep out of the net.

Bristol Rovers had a chance to grab a quick leveller from an eighth-minute Stuart Campbell corner, but Rickie Lambert couldn't keep his header down and saw his attempt fly over the bar.

Lambert was to play his part in the Pirates 13th-minute equaliser though. His pass found Ryan Green, whose ball forward picked out a good run by Jeff Hughes.

Though the winger stumbled as he tried to bring the ball under control, it wrongfooted Carlisle's defence and allowed the winger the chance to recover and find space to fire past keeper Ben Williams from six yards.

Rovers spent a short period down to 10 men while Steve Elliott received treatment after injuring himself while carrying out a crucial block to prevent Danny Graham playing the ball across goal, but the central defender was able to continue after treatment.

Hughes was causing problems again in the 35th minute and Carlisle were forced to foul him just outside their box. Stuart Campbell took the free kick quickly but Lambert sent a low header wide of the target.

A minute later Carlisle brought Michael Bridges on in place of leading scorer Danny Graham, and the former Bristol City striker was fortunate not to go straight in the book for a late challenge on Hughes.

Hughes had a great chance to put the Gas ahead three minutes before the break when Darryl Duffy sent him clear, but this time Williams managed to save his low strike.

Carlisle United: Williams, Kane, Murphy, Keogh, Liddle, Taylor, Thirlwell, Kavanagh, Neal, Graham (Bridges 36), Anyinsah. Subs: Raven, Lumsdon, Dobie, Madine.

Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Green, Anthony, Elliott, Lescott, Pipe, Campbell, Lines, Hughes, Lambert, Duffy. Subs: Jacobson, Hinton, Kuffour, Disley, St Louis-Hamilton.