Carlisle United slipped to defeat in their latest pre-season friendly as Ross Hannah's penalty gave the south Cumbrians victory.

Hannah beat Mark Gillespie from the spot in the 17th minute after Blues skipper Danny Grainger had fouled Byron Harrison.

United were unable to find a way back despite hitting the woodwork twice at Holker Street.

An early Grainger cross was touched against the post by keeper Joel Dixon, while Charlie Wyke glanced a header against the same post later in the half.

But Paul Cox's National League side could easily have added to their tally in an opening 30 minutes that found United sloppy at times.

Gillespie had to be alert to keep out crosses from Liam Hughes and Hannah.

And the Blues could have gone behind even before the opening goal, as Alex-Ray Harvey's half-volley crashed against the underside of the bar.

The towering Moussa Diarra then headed a good chance over for the hosts as they gave Carlisle a tough aerial examination from set-pieces.

United, who included trialists in goal and up front in the second half, found it hard to create more clear-cut chances after the break.

Substitute Jason Kennedy was denied with a close-range Dixon save, while the keeper also kept out Joe McKee's effort.

Elswehere, ex-Blues defender Danny Livesey enjoyed a strong display at the back for a well-drilled Barrow side, the skipper keeping out a late Nicky Adams attempt.

Home sub Andy Howarth went close to a second while Aaron O'Connor hit the outside of the post as Carlisle failed to score for the first time in their pre-season programme.

United: Gillespie (Trialist 46), Atkinson, Grainger, Ellis (T Miller 74), Raynes (Brough 74), Penn (McKee 60), Jones (Joyce 60), Devitt (Adams 60), Lambe (Kennedy 60), Wyke (Salkeld 81), S Miller (Trialist 46).

Barrow: Dixon, Beeley, Anderton, Harvey, Livesey, Diarra, Hughes (Howarth 75), Turnbull (Parry 18), Harrison (O'Connor 55), Hannah (Bennett 55), Williams. Subs: Murray, Newby, Coughlin.

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