John Sheridan insists he would still like to add “another four or five” additions to his squad – but admits “I know what the circumstances are” at Carlisle United.

Blues boss Sheridan has made seven summer signings with the latest two, Regan Slater and Jerry Yates, starting in United’s 1-0 victory at AFC Fylde.

At Mill Farm, a deflected Hallam Hope long-range effort late on earned the Cumbrians their second pre-season friendly win against their National League hosts.

But the former Oldham manager is still on the look-out for more signings.

“If I’m being honest with you, I would like another four or five, really I would,” he said.

“But I know what the circumstances are. So, we will see.”

Meanwhile, reflecting on the friendly success, Sheridan said: “Listen, it’s a step up from previous games which I expected. It was a good test for us.

“Obviously, the pitch was better quality and we were playing against better opposition, so it was a good test for us.

“But our fitness levels were good and that’s what I wanted to come out of the game. Obviously to win a game is always good – there’s nothing wrong with winning, it’s a good habit.

“We possibly could have scored more goals and they possibly should have scored a couple of goals.

"Listen, there are still things I want us to do better. But there were good things from the game.”

Rotherham loan striker Yates, 21, in particular caught the eye on his first Carlisle appearance after joining the club on a six-month loan on Friday.

“It’s difficult because they’ve only just met the lads on Friday,” Sheridan said of the two loan arrivals.

“They both looked fit. They had a good run-out, 70 minutes each, so they look two good players.

“But it’s always difficult when you don’t really know anyone in a new club but, in the next few days and weeks, they will fit in.

“And they’re going to be good players for us.”

Jamie Devitt and summer signing Gary Miller also both made their first Carlisle appearances of pre-season as they returned from injury.

Sheridan said: “They’re lads who have missed the last couple of games.

“They both got 70 minutes and that will only do them good.”

Richie Bennett started, too, after he pulled out of the Penrith match in the warm-up with a minor knee injury.

United’s manager again involved former Nottingham Forest striker Lewis Walters off the bench, although Greek defender Dimitris Kotsonis was not in the squad.

“Regarding Lewis, he has been in for a while. We will keep him until Workington and then I will make a decision,” Sheridan explained.

“The other trialist, no, we won’t be taking that anywhere.”

As Carlisle head into their final week of friendlies ahead of the start of their League Two campaign at Exeter on August 4, they visit Workington Reds tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off), before Saturday’s home match against Bradford.