Carlisle's youngsters slipped to a 1-0 home defeat to Port Vale this afternoon, the goal for the Valiants coming in the 35th minute from a near-post header following a left-wing cross.
United struggled to break down a very physical Port Vale defence although chances were at a premium for both sides. Dan Kirkup and Matty Bell both put in commanding performances at the heart of the home defence but lack of strength upfront and some poor finishing means the young Blues start off their league campaign with a defeat.
United line-up :
Adam Bradley, Richie Hoban, Matthew Blake, Matty Bell, Dan Kirkup, Gary Baker, James Earl, Shaun Vipond, Andy Hardman, Rob Bainbridge (Mike Stewardson 50), Paul Gardiner (Terry Stewart 76).