Carlisle United under-18s advanced to the next round of the Youth Alliance Cup after thumping Rochdale 5-0 away from home.
An Amaru Smith hat-trick proved decisive with other goals coming Nathan Wheatley and Reuben Towers helping United to victory.
Mark Birch made two changes from Saturday’s win against Rotherham United, with Brad Robinson and Finley Boertien replacing Sam Worth and Reuben Towers, the latter would be called up to start after Will Rafferty pulled out in the warm-up.
The Blues started with intent with early chances falling to Smith and Towers, but Dale’s ‘keeper did well to keep the pair out.
The quick start would be rewarded on the fifth minute when Towers delivered a brilliant ball into the box which Smith attacked to finish from close range.
Wheatley would come incredibly close to doubling the lead when he was able to get on the end of Josh Wade’s cross, but he could only direct his header off target.
Robinson would be called into action for the first time in the match and had to show great reflexes to deny the hosts a leveller.
The lead would be doubled by Smith, after the Blues broke quickly away following a corner from the hosts, before he received the ball and smashed it into the far corner.
Wheatley would get on the scoresheet just as the clock hit 45 minutes when he showed great footwork to beat several Rochdale defenders before showing composure to produce the finish.
United wouldn’t be done there before the break, Towers showed great determination to win possession back in the opposition box, before poking the ball past Branthwaite and into the net.
HALF-TIME: ROCHDALE 0-4 CARLISLE UNITED
The travelling Blues would continue where they left off after the restart, Ben Aaron was unfortunate not to convert his header after getting on the end of Dan Miller’s in-swinging corner.
Smith would complete his hat-trick with a smashing finish after he reacted quickly when Tai Bell’s effort was pushed away into his path.
Towers came close to getting a brace for himself after finding some space on the left-hand side, but his powerful effort rose over the bar.
The hosts would create very little chances in the remainder of the match, and United would deservedly hold out for a victory and a place in the next round of the cup.
FULL-TIME: ROCHDALE 0-5 CARLISLE UNITED
Teams:
Rochdale: Braithwaite, Barnes, Beesley, Booth, Connolly, Farrell, Hardwidge, Horrocks, Martyn, Rodger, Williams
Carlisle United: Robinson, Hatton, Bell (C), McDonough, Miller, Aaron, Towers, Boertien, Wheatley, Smith, Wade
Not used: Worth
Goals:
Rochdale: N/A
Carlisle United: (Smith 5’, 26’, 52’), (Wheatley 45’), (Towers 45’)
Yellow Cards:
Rochdale: N/A
Carlisle United: (Wheatley 71’)
Red Cards:
Rochdale: N/A
Carlisle United: N/A
