Goals from Callum Maycock and Alistair Smith gave promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon a vital 2-1 victory against bottom-side Carlisle at Brunton Park.

The visitors took the lead in the second minute through Maycock and Smith doubled their advantage just after the break.

The Blues pulled one back through Matthew Dennis but Mark Hughes’ side couldn’t find the finishing touch as they searched for an equaliser.

Maycock opened the scoring with the first chance of the match as the midfielder turned excellently in the box and fired a left-footed shot into the top-right corner.

The Dons then had a huge chance to double their lead when Smith’s curling effort was spilled by goalkeeper Gabe Breeze but Omar Bugiel sent the rebound over the bar from close range.

The Blues had a chance to equalise with Dennis having a pair of close-range efforts charged down after some good work from Archie Davies on the right-hand side.

Johnnie Jackson’s men doubled their lead in the 49th minute through the impressive Smith, who volleyed home after he met a Josh Neufville cross.

Carlisle pulled a goal back through Dennis in the 67th minute after he headed home from a Kadeem Harris cross but it failed to inspire a Blues fightback.