Result from the Saturday league fixture against Tranmere
United made life hard for themselves in their opening fixture of the season as a slow start in the first half allowed visitors Tranmere Rovers to take control.
The Whites grabbed the lead with just 5 minutes on the clock when a neat pass left Tolani Omotola with the width of the goal to aim at from 16 yards. His powerful effort took the ball into the roof of the net.
Tranmere continued to have the better of the first half and Omotola doubled his tally for the day just ahead of the break when he stayed onside at the end of another impressive move. He bided his time and picked his spot as Eccles raced out to meet him.
Carlisle looked a much better side in the second half and both Hurley and Hammell went close as the hosts started to increase the pressure.
But disaster struck on 65 minutes when a huge clearance was well controlled by Joe Lamb. His touch took the ball past Eccles and Rovers were able to celebrate their third goal of the game when he rolled the ball into the empty net.
The young Cumbrians gave themselves hope with 15 minutes left to play when Hurley sent a fantastic cross to the back post. Substitute Craig McCue made it his own as he thundered a thumping header into the back of the net.
United were undone again as Tranmere threw men forward when Udoyen Akapan found himself unmarked in the box. He had the relatively simple task of nodding a lobbed cross past the stranded keeper.
But Carlisle got some reaction reward for a strong finish to the game when Tom White made a determined run into the area. Arron Bradbury connected well and the assistant referee eventually confirmed that his volley had crossed the line before the keeper pushed it away.
Full reaction from Alan Moore to follow next week.
United - Eccles, Hurley, Douglas, Taylor, Marshall, White, Moyes, Pearson, Hammell, Elliott (Studholme 67), Bradbury. Subs - Fowler, Rudd, Holt, McCue.
Goals - McCue (75), Bradbury (86)
Bookings - Moyes (24)
