With most of the brave souls who made the mamouth trip to the North East expecting a hammering, Gudjon Thordarson's team started the game well, belying their recent performances by playing some crisp passing football, and it was Kieran Westwood in the home goal who had to be on his guard in the early stages.
Having made a good stop from Chris Palmer at the expense of a corner, Westwood could do nothing on 25 minutes as Steve Scoffham beat off Peter Murphy and placed the ball into the corner of the Carlisle goal.
It was a deserved - if surprise - lead and Carlisle - who could have been promoted on the day if results went their way - had shown very little going forward up to this stage.
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Carlisle's equaliser, deep into first half stoppage time, was laid on a plate to Michael Bridges by a woeful header from inside the Notts 18-yard box by the Irish defender.
The ball fell perfectly for the prolific former Sunderland striker who hit a first time volley into the Notts goal.
It can also be argued that Kevin Pilkington should take some of the blame too, as he got both hands to the ball, but seemed to be in two minds whether to hold it, or push it round the post. In the eventual outcome, Pilks pushed it just inside his right upright.
It was a cruel blow on Notts, who were deserving of a 1-0 lead at the interval.
The second half saw the Magpies back to their more recent performance level that has seen them win only once since January. Too many passes failed to reach their intended targets, whilst they were unable to force Westwood into any anxious moments throughout the second period.
It was Carlisle's turn to play the football, and Notts had to hang on as they laid seige to the Notts goal. From one of several corners, Karl Hawley flashed a close range header just wide, while livewire Bridges had a close range effort well saved by Pilkington.
With time running out, and the scores still level Notts seemed to have weathered the storm to take a much-needed point back to Nottingham. However, a last minute moment of pure madness was to see all their efforts evaporate.
A long, seemingly harmless ball, was allowed to bounce by O'Callaghan and Bridges, who must have thought all his birthday's had come at once, duly lashed the ball home to give his side the victory and leave Notts still in relegation trouble with just three league games to play.
NCM would like to thank Rob for submitting his report.