Matchwinner Jabo Ibehre has been saluted by Carlisle United manager Keith Curle for giving up his day off to work on his game.

The experienced striker's winner at Barnet was a reward for his extra efforts on the training ground, the Blues boss said.

Ibehre's goal, his first of the campaign, earned sixth-placed United a 1-0 victory that saw them remain the only unbeaten team in League Two.

And it came after his manager found the 33-year-old on the training ground at a time when the rest of his squad had been given an extended breather following their extra-time cup exertions at Derby.

Curle said: "The players had two days off, but Jabo came in and worked on his own on Thursday.

"He's 33 years old but is still prepared to come in on his day off and put in the hard work.

"That hard work gets you rewards."

Curle, who recalled Ibehre to the side on Saturday, added: "I had a conversation with Jabo, and he just told me, 'I'm on it'.

"Jabo needed that goal. Last season anything could hit him and it went in. This season he's having to work at his game.

"It might not have been his most spectacular goal - but for a centre-forward it's as good as a 35-yard rocket into the top corner."

United could have won more comfortably at The Hive as they turned in another bright showing, especially in a dominant first half.

They hit the woodwork twice and had several more near-misses, before Barnet staged a late rally in a bid to force an equaliser.

Carlisle, though, held on and have not been beaten on the road in the league for six games.

Curle added: "We don't like getting beat home or away. We're trying to improve performance levels individually and collectively.

"We believe if performance levels keep on improving, wins and results will come.

"In other games we've had that dominance and not turned it into victory. Here, the players got it but had to earn it.

"In the first half Barnet wanted to have a game of football and they were losing. In the second half they turned it into a League Two game, and we had to stand up to that.

"In the second half we had to deal with a Martin Allen team, and you know against that you have to stand your size and punch your weight."

In the second half Curle handed debuts to Shaun Brisley and Russell Penn as United closed out the victory.

Brisley was making his belated first outing in defence after an ankle injury. Both could again be involved in the Checkatrade Trophy at Oldham tomorrow.