The Blues’ 3-1 win sent them up to third in the National League.
Three goals in the space of nine first-half minutes proved decisive as David Ajiboye, Luke Armstrong and a Dan Sassi own-goal put Carlisle in command, Jimmy Knowles heading the visitors’ consolation.
Head coach Hughes felt United’s strategy was correct as they got the better of Neil Gibson’s side.
“It was a difficult fixture to plan for – they’re playing with a lot of confidence and have had some really good performances and results [lately], and had a way of playing and shape to them that we had to make allowances for,” the Carlise boss told the News & Star.
“I thought we got our tactics absolutely spot on. They had a little bit of play initially but after that it was very much a case of just waiting for them to make a mistake with their progressive passing, and then we stepped in and broke from there.
“That was very much our plan – to counter-attack when they made mistakes.
“They weren’t really creating anything, so I always felt the first goal was important as always, and thankfully we were able to get it this time and that enabled us to manage the game out quite comfortably.
“They had a lot of possession but it wasn’t of any note, it didn’t really affect us adversely. They had, I think, four attempts on goal.
A happy Mark Hughes applauds Carlisle’s fans after the game (Image: Ben Holmes)
“They scored one where we didn’t attach in the box, which we need to learn from. but apart from that it was very nondescript, their efforts, and that was a consequence of our shape and our discipline.”
Ajiboye marked a rare start with the opening goal before he set up Armstrong for the second.
Hughes said the former Peterborough United man had earned his fresh chance in the side.
“He’s been patient and he had a good week’s training when he acquitted himself really well,” said Hughes of Ajiboye.
“He always wants to play, he’s never lost that enthusiasm. He probably hasn’t made the best use of the opportunities I’ve given him in the past, but he was excellent today, got his goal and an assist as well.
“He could have had a couple more, so he’ll be pleased with his performance.”
Hughes hopes Ajiboye can now build on his positive showing.
“We keep on trying to give him the right messages. I think sometimes he’s been a little bit safe and a little bit deliberate, and sometimes he’s just got to use the assets that he has, which is great pace and power on the ball,” he said.
“When he does that, he looks a really good player. Certainly, he made a statement today, so I’m pleased for him and pleased for the team because it’s important that everybody’s firing.”
Hughes hopes David Ajiboye can build on his positive display (Image: Ben Holmes)
Armstrong was also recalled to the XI and his performance up front impressed Hughes.
“I thought he was excellent, again,” said Hughes. “He had a real presence. His aerial work was good. I thought he caused them a real problem in the air.
“His timing was good, notwithstanding the effort and the energy that he brings to the team. I thought he was first-class, and arguably the man of the match, I thought.”
United’s advantage was seldom under threat despite Altrincham pulling one back.
“We put ourselves in a good position and it was just a case of making sure we managed the game,” added Hughes.
“We knew they might change their shape, and they did to a certain extent, but we acquitted ourselves really well. We were never really in danger of ever losing that game.”
United’s boss made five changes to his starting line-up.
He said he had wanted to refresh his side to a degree, but added: “We’ve obviously got injuries as well, so I was mindful of that.
“Aaron [Hayden] hadn’t trained all week, so he was on the bench. I could have played him, but we’ve got to protect the guys.
“A lot of the workload has been through these guys. Bevis [Mugabi] needs game time as well so I thought it was a good opportunity to bring him back.”
United are six points behind leaders York City, who won 2-0 at Solihull Moors. Second-placed Rochdale, who were not in action on Saturday, can return to the summit if they defeat fourth-placed Boreham Wood on Tuesday night – ahead of Carlisle’s visit to Spotland next weekend.
