Carlisle United have won their appeal to overturn the red card shown to defender Jon Mellish on Boxing Day, the club has announced.

The Cumbrians defender was dismissed with a straight red card after referee Scott Oldham deemed him to have unfairly challenged Morecambe midfielder Tom White in the 62nd minute of Thursday’s meeting of the League Two strugglers, just after the Shrimps broke the deadlock.

After submitting a claim of wrongful dismissal on Friday morning, Carlisle confirmed the FA had reviewed the incident and would rescind the red card.

It means Mellish, 27, is now eligible for United’s upcoming three fixtures against Accrington Stanley, Crewe Alexandra and Tranmere Rovers.

Mike Williamson’s side sit bottom of League Two, two points behind Morecambe after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat, but with a game in hand over their nearest relegation rivals.