Carlisle United under-18s came from behind to claim a 3-1 victory against York City at the Sheepmount.
Goals from Will Rafferty, Olly Penney and Ben Aaron proved to be decisive, despite Ben Farrar giving York an early lead.
Mark Birch made two changes from last weekend’s win over Huddersfield Town with Will Rafferty and Seb Knowles replacing Alex McDonough and Reuben Towers, with the latter joining Bishop Auckland on a work experience loan yesterday.
The Minstermen would take a very early lead in Cumbria, less than five minutes after kick-off Ben Farrar broke away from United’s defence and smashed the ball past Sam Worth from a tight angle.
The visitors continued their fast start, and Tom Hewson should've doubled their lead when he was sent through on goal, but he couldn’t beat Worth.
York would come to regret that, less than a minute later Rafferty brought the Blues level after finishing from close range after finishing off Amaru Smith’s low ball across the box.
Rafferty was unfortunate not to get his second goal of the afternoon after he tried his luck from distance, when York failed to clear the lines, but his effort dragged across the face of the goal.
United would take a deserved lead through Olly Penney after he powerfully headed home Dan Miller’s brilliant in-swinging corner.
The Blues continued to push for a third, both Smith and Knowles came close to doubling the advantage.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 2-1 York City
Birch’s side started the second-half with the same intensity as they ended the first-half, Rafferty was inches away from getting his second goal after he connected brilliantly with the ball from distance, but it flew just wide of goal.
Smith was unfortunate not to get in on the action; after he was set up by Worth with a long ball forward, before trying to chip Campbell White, who was able to hold his effort.
White also did well to keep out Nathan Wheatley, who looked odds on to score from close range but York’s ‘keeper showed great reflexes to deny him.
Ben Aaron would extend the lead after he peeled off around the back to scramble Miller’s corner over the line.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Harry Cairns would make his return from injury after eight months, replacing Seb Knowles.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 3-1 York City
Teams:
Carlisle United: Worth, Hatton, Bell, Penney (C), Miller (Hodgson 82’), Aaron, Rafferty, Boertien (Stuart 86’), Wheatley (Harabasz 78’), Knowles (Cairns 71’), Smith
Not used: Robinson
York City: White, Swansbury, Penrose, Stiver, Beadle, Belleh (C), Kydd, Hewson, Farrar, Greening, Binns
Goals:
Carlisle United: (Rafferty 10’), (Penney 25’), (Aaron 77’)
York City: (Farrar 3’)
Yellow Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
Red Cards:
Carlisle United: N/A
