Result from the Tuesday afternoon youth game
United had to work hard to get the points against a determined Accrington side who enjoyed the better of the first half exchanges.But in the end it was a good finish from striker Kieran Hall and a strong second half performance which made the difference - and the young Cumbrians could have scored more had they shown more composure through the closing stages.
Stanley showed first with a run of early openings but Bacon was equal to them as he kept his concentration. The keeper was at his best on 19 minutes when he tipped a fierce drive onto the bar having already blocked a close range effort.
Things tightened up in midfield but the Cumbrians created their first opening of the day when Jack Egan cut inside from the left wing. A sight of goal encouraged him to shoot but he couldn't keep his curling attempt on target.
The hosts increased in confidence ahead of the break and Olsen went past his man before crossing low. Cowburn was onto it quickly but he flashed his first time shot over the bar.
Carlisle were almost made to pay for the miss when a corner delivery at the other end was allowed to bounce. A scramble ensued but a combination of Bacon and his defenders was enough to keep the back door shut.
Accrington started the second half on the front foot and Bacon was tested again when a firm strike angled at his top corner. He readjusted to tip it over as the red shirts set themselves to celebrate.
United settled after the scare and they gained the upper hand as they took control of the middle third area of the pitch. Cowburn found space and an overlap on the right flank put him one-on-one with the stopper. He connected firmly but strong hands beat the ball away.
The home side took the lead on 67 minutes when a deflected cross was well controlled by Hall. He took a touch and drilled a blistering volley underneath the keeper.
It was suddenly all about Carlisle as they exploited the gaps and both Hall and Cowburn could have added to the tally as they shot wide from good positions.
And livewire Jack Egan forced another full length save with the last shot of the day as the Cumbrians made it back-to-back wins with a very solid display.
United: Bacon, Kelly, Goldthorpe, Hutchinson, Olsen, Cowburn, Holt, Watson (Miller 75), Egan, Hall, Adewusi. Subs - Ashton, Lloyd, McCarron.
Goal - Hall (67)
Booked - Adewusi (73)
