Carlisle United under-18s were knocked out of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup as they were beaten 3-0 by Grimsby Town at the Sheepmount.
Despite controlling large periods of the match, United were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Mark Birch named an unchanged side against the Mariners after Friday’s victory over Port Vale, with his team looking to advance to the final four.
The Blues started the game with intent and controlled plenty of early possession but were unable to create any clear-cut chances to trouble Grimsby’s defence.
The first meaningful chance of the afternoon fell to Reuben Towers, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box after the visitors failed to sufficiently clear a dangerous free-kick, but Towers’ powerful effort flashed wide of goal.
Grimsby took the lead with just over five minutes left to play in the first-half after a pinpoint free-kick from distance beat Brad Robinson.
Robinson would be called upon soon after as he showed great reflexes to push away a dangerous Mariners effort.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 0-1 Grimsby Town
United came out for the second period looking to pull back level, Amaru Smith tried his luck from distance after taking on several defenders but Grimsby’s ‘keeper was equal to his effort.
The visitors would respond quickly, and doubled their lead after the Blues failed to clear their lines defensively.
Smith looked to have reduced the deficit with a header from close range, but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position.
Grimsby would get a third of the match with just under 10 minutes to play after a quick break away down the left-hand side was finished off with a cool finish from 6-yards out.
United’s focus will now shift to Saturday, when they to West Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield Town in the final match of their U18 Professional Development League Cup group.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 0-3 Grimsby Town
Team:
Carlisle United: Robinson, Hatton (Thwaites 85’), Bell, Penney (C) (Miller 64’), McDonough, Boertien (Hodgson 85’), Towers, Aaron, Wheatley, Rafferty (Cumersky 85’), Smith
Not used: N/A
Goals:
Carlisle United: N/A
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle United: (Bell 38’), (Towers 88’)
Red Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
