By Jon Colman

Last updated at 09:25, Friday, 27 November 2009

Carlisle United’s reserves swept to the top of the league yesterday after seeing off Tranmere at Brunton Park.

Goalscorer: United’s Emmanuel Richardson, right, holds off his Tranmere counterpart during yesterday’s 2-1 victory

United’s second string beat the Wirral side 2-1 with goals from Mani Richardson and Gavin Rothery.

 And coach Eric Kinder has urged the Blues to aim for the totesport.com League West title this season.

 “We are top of the table now and even though reserve team football is about development, if you have the opportunity to win the league, you take it,” he said.

 Youth team striker Richardson claimed his first reserve team goal in the sixth minute before ex-Leeds winger Rothery doubled the lead after 17 minutes.

 Max Power claimed a consolation goal for Rovers 10 minutes from time.

 “In the first half we played very well in difficult conditions,” said Kinder. “After the break we were a bit sloppy and didn’t go for the jugular to kill the game off. But we won the game and that is a good habit to get into.”

 Peter Murphy was substituted in the second half with a dead leg but should be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Norwich. Winger Conor Tinnion was replaced at half-time with illness.

 Right-back Simon Lakeland, meanwhile, made his first appearance of the season after a long-term knee injury.

 Prolific youth striker Ryan Bowman missed the game with a groin injury and is also likely to miss Saturday’s youth team clash with Accrington.

 United: Gillespie, Lakeland (Cleary 61), Kane, Murphy (Wood 71), Swinglehurst, Burns, McKenna, Blake, Rothery, Tinnion (Law 46), Richardson. Not used: Ball, Davison

• The FA Youth cup third round tie against Stoke will be played on Tuesday December 8 at Brunton Park, kick-off 7pm.

First published at 11:21, Thursday, 26 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk