United ended pre-season with a 2-0 win against Chester at the Deva Stadium this afternoon.
Elliot Embleton’s penalty in the 67th minute sparked the Blues into life after a first half of limited chances, and an own goal from the hosts’ defender Tom Leak five minutes later secured the victory in Cheshire.
Mark Hughes made nine changes from the Blues’ three-all draw at Curzon Ashton in midweek, with Archie Davies and Cameron Harper remaining at full-back while Gabe Breeze returned from illness to start in goal.
United started on top, and Embleton got in behind the Chester defence in the fifth minute, attempting to lob Lewys Benjamin but only found the side netting.
The Blues continued to threaten with Regan Linney and Harper having shots blocked after the hosts’ failed to clear Davies’ wicked cross.
Callum Whelan showed his vision to find the overlapping Davies with an intelligent lofted pass, but the right-back failed to beat Benjamin.
Former United forward Offrande Zanzala raced through on goal in the 41st minute, but he lost his footing as he neared Breeze.
HALF-TIME: Chester 0-0 Carlisle United
Linney had the first chance of the second half, breaking away down the right-hand side, cutting inside and hitting a left-footed shot that troubled Benjamin.
Ethan Robson nearly made an immediate impact off the bench, finding space on the left to cross low, which was deflected just past the upright.
Linney then came close with a diving header from Harper's cross as the Blues looked to break the deadlock.
The Blues’ number ten won his side a penalty in the 66th minute when Finley Shrimpton tripped him as he burst into the box.
Embleton stepped up and converted to the left of Benjamin, who got his hand to the ball but was beaten by the power of the strike.
United doubled their lead in the 72nd minute with Linney again instrumental, as he raced down the left and delivered a cross which was turned in by Leak.
Linney continued to cause the hosts problems, coming close to getting the Blues' third of the afternoon, cutting in from the left and shooting over the bar.
FULL-TIME: Chester 0-2 Carlisle United
Teams:
Chester – Benjamin, Kelly-Evans, Leak, Jones (Roberts 73), Woodthorpe, Weeks (Trialist C 63), Bainbridge, Shirmpton (Burgess 73), Peers (Trialist B 58), Mottley-Henry, Zanzala
Subs – Trialist A, Murphy, Rawlinson
Carlisle United – Breeze, Davies (Williams 68), Hayden (Mugabi 45), Thomas, Harper (Murray 68), Whelan (Robson 58), Ellis (Trialist A 58), Linney, Luamba (Ajiboye 68), Embleton (Scott 78, Armstrong (Kelly 58)
Subs – Lewis
Goals:
Chester – N/A
Carlisle United – (Embleton 67) (Leak OG 72)
Yellow cards:
Chester – N/A
Carlisle United – N/A
Red cards:
Chester - N/A
Carlisle United - N/A
Match officials:
Referee – John Mulligan
Assistant Referee – Curtis Wood
Assistant Referee – Michael Studholme
Fourth Official – James Naisbett
Attendance – 1140 (300 Away)
