Carlisle United under-18s made it back-to-back wins in pre-season as they came from behind to beat Carlisle City 2-1 at Gillford Park.
Second-half strikes from Reuben Towers and Tai Bell proved to be the difference in a fiercely close encounter.
Lead Professional Development Phase Coach Mark Birch made four changes from Saturday’s victory over Cleator Moor with Will Hatton, Zac Tonge, Will Rafferty, and Reuben Towers coming into the side.
United started on the front-foot and came close to scoring within five minutes when Towers hit the post with a low effort.
Carlisle City would take the lead against the run of play soon after when Callum Birdsall won the ball off Blues ‘keeper Sam Worth and was able to roll the ball into an empty net.
United responded well, with Kai Muldoon forcing a good save from City’s goalkeeper Aaron Taylor.
Will Hatton came agonisingly close to levelling the scores up after getting in behind City’s defence following a lovely team move, but Taylor produced another top reflex stop.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle City 1-0 Carlisle United
United made two changes at the break with Nathan Wheatley and Brad Robinson replacing Josh Wade and Sam Worth.
Robinson was called upon quickly after the restart, and had to produce a brilliant fingertip save to keep out City following a dangerous corner.
United would level proceedings just three minutes later through Towers, who produced a brilliant chip over a helpless Taylor from the edge of the box.
The Blues would complete the turnaround with 15 minutes left on the clock when Tai Bell found some space in the box and managed to smash the ball into the back of the net.
The hosts would push for a late equaliser but United defended admirably, with Robinson producing several saves to ensure they left Gillford Park with the win.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 4-1 Cleator Moor
Goals:
Carlisle City: (Birdsall 11’)
Carlisle United: (Towers 55’), (Bell 75’)
Team:
Carlisle United: Worth (Robinson 46’), Hatton (Moynan 60’), Bell, Aaron (Blaylock 70’), McDonough (Murphy 60’), Boertien (Hodgson 70’), Rafferty (Cumersky 51’), Tonge (Harabasz 65’), Towers (Stuart 70’), Muldoon (Thwaites 70’), Wade (Wheatley 46’)
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle City: N/A
Carlisle United: N/A
Red Cards:
Carlisle City: N/A
Carlisle United: N/A