Keeper Jack Bonham insists Carlisle United's latest clean-sheet of pre-season will stand them in good stead for the campaign ahead.

The Brentford loanee performed well in the Blues' goalless stalemate at Halifax on Saturday.

While United failed to score against the National League newcomers in their penultimate friendly, they have yet to concede in five warm-up games so far.

Bonham said he is growing in confidence as United's new No.1 and is excited for the challenges ahead.

He said: "It's always a good place to be when you're not conceding goals.

"Pre-season games can be quite slippery, the team changes a lot and you can be fatigued at times.

"You always want to get the win first, but you also do everything you can to keep the ball out of the net, and we dug out the clean-sheet."

Manager Keith Curle used rolling substitutes at times at the MBi Shay as Carlisle failed to break down Billy Heath's defence.

All his fit senior players got an outing other than defender Shaun Brisley. Jason Kennedy and John O'Sullivan were with the squad after injury but were not deemed ready to be involved.

Bonham said United have just come off a tough week's training, including a punishing session at Cassius Camps, but believes it will put them in good shape for the new League Two season.

"Credit to the boys, they've had a ridiculously tough week, but we dug it out," the keeper said.

"Brutal is definitely the word for Cassius - it's physically and mentally draining and for a few days after it you're still sore.

"It was a really tough week but really satisfying and rewarding to get through it, and we'll take a lot from it.

"To get through the game feeling as good as I did, especially the second half, was pleasing, but there's always improvement to be made.

"Sometimes there's no real flow to these game but we're trying different things and we've got to implement our style and get used to how each other plays."

United entertain Blackburn on Friday in their final friendly.

Bonham added: "That is a real test and that's what you want before going into the season - you want someone to test you and see what you're about.

"It's a chance to show your credentials - hopefully we'll get a decent result and take it into the season.

"I couldn’t be happier with the whole situation here, and getting the chance to play games. I'm happy to be here and excited for what the season holds.

"All the boys are eager to get the season started and we want to go one step further than last season.

"If the boys can use that disappointment, and I can come in and thrive off that as well, hopefully we'll push on."