Abbott's young guns impress

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott took the opportunity to blood three of his young players in their 1-0 Capital One Cup success over Accrington.

And the United boss said that the early signs for defender Brad Potts and second-half substitutes Mark Beck and David Symington looked good. "We finished the game with three 18-year-old local lads on the pitch. They were picked on merit and it was good to put them in a competitive game to see how they would cope," said Abbott. "The future is bright if they can keep learning and developing." A first-half goal from winger Matty Robson, restored to a more attacking role after playing much of last season in defence, was the difference between the teams. Abbott added: "We didn't hit the heights of performance we have been showing in pre-season, but Accrington worked exceptionally hard with a group of young players who are well organised.Overall that performance won't be good enough next week when we begin our league programme at Stevenage. "The goal was one of the better bits of play and Matty has finished really well. I'm looking for goals from him this season. He has pace and energy and can be electric when he's on form. There is terrific competition for places right through the club and that can only bode well."