Victory for CUFC in seven-goal thriller

Facing newly-promoted Preston North End was always going to be a challenge for Keith Curle's new-look Carlisle United - but the Blues rose to the challenge and secured an impressive pre-season victory.

The visitors made the brighter start, with Jordan Hugill turning in Kyle Reid's pin-point cross inside the first 15 minutes.

Carlisle responded quickly though, and Bastien Hery's cross was headed home by Tom Miller.

The home side took the lead thanks to a brilliant team goal - Jason Kennedy played a one-two with Jabo Ibehre, and curled a precise finish past Jamie Jones.

The lead didn't last long though, as just two minutes later Manchester United loanee Will Keane tapped in after a cut back.

United went into half-time ahead though, as Charlie Wyke was pushed over in the box, allowing Danny Grainger to tuck away a calm penalty.

After the break Preston drew level again, after a comedy of errors from Raynes and Kennedy let Hugill through one on one, the forward finishing calmly past Hanford.

Things seemed to be going wrong for Carlisle United when Alexander McQueen, a half-tim substitute, was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Ben Davies.

But the frustration Curle must have felt will have been dispelled in the last ten minutes, when the Preston 'keeper brought down Steven Rigg.

Danny Grainger slotted his second penalty of the evening, securing an impressive win for Carlisle after a tough pre-season test.