 In 2004, Lumsdon joined Paul Simpson's ambitious Carlisle United, where his wages were funded by former Gretna owner Brooks Mileson.He played a major part in the Cumbrians' promotion through the play-offs back into the Football League, winning sixteen "man of the match" awards at Brunton Park, and collecting the "Players' Player of the Year" award as well as Paul Simpson's "Manager's Player of the Year".A year later, he was again another major part of the team who were runaway winners of the League Two title, in which he won the "Coca-Cola League 2 player of the month" award twice.