AcademyU18s beat Carlisle in pre-season friendly

Played on a 35-minute each-way basis, Keyrol Figueroa and Lewis Koumas netted for the young Reds.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side started the game in lively fashion with Trent Kone-Doherty down the right wing proving a real handful.

It was no surprise that Kone-Doherty was involved in the opening goal on 17 minutes when he intercepted a backpass, and as the opposing goalkeeper came out to narrow the angle he rolled the ball to Figueroa for a tap-in.

Charlie Hayes-Green was inches away from doubling the lead when he glanced a header just wide and Figueroa then went close from close range.

With chances aplenty at either end in the second half, the away side equalised with a superb effort from long range that sailed into the top corner of the net.

However, the young Reds weren't to be denied and grabbed the winner eight minutes from time.

James McConnell did brilliantly to win the ball back from just outside the box and played a superb pass into the path of Koumas, who kept his composure to make it 2-1.