Boss John Sheridan said Carlisle United produced a "brilliant" response to win at Oldham after back-to-back home defeats.

The Blues' 3-1 victory was a third consecutive away win - in stark contrast to their recent Brunton Park struggles.

United scored three goals in the space of 37 minutes to see off Frankie Bunn's side and move up to 10th.

That came despite the Cumbrians having gone three home games without scoring.

Sheridan said: "I don't think we've played poorly at home and truly believe we should have had five or six points from the three games we've lost.

"But it was brilliant how we responded and a lot of credit goes to the players."

Hallam Hope headed United into a first-half lead before quickfire goals from Ashley Nadesan and Jack Sowerby after the break.

Ishmael Miller pulled one back for the Latics but Carlisle held on for a convincing win.

Sheridan added: "The important thing is we took our chances. We've had similar performances where we haven't scored goals.

"Oldham is a tough place to go. They're a good team. But leading up to us going 3-0 up I thought we were magnificent.

"If you get the first goal in this league I think you've got a great chance of going on to win games and that’s proved the case."

Sowerby's goal was his first for United while Hope struck for the first time since August.

Sheridan added: "I'm pleased whoever scores. It's great for Nadders, great for Sowerby, [but] we're a team. The work ethic of the team is magnificent.

"I've been analysing and told the lads we're not scoring enough goals. Defensively we're doing alright - in the last 10 games we've only conceded 10 goals, which is not a bad record.

"I'm just pleased we got a few goals and took the chances we created. With the support we had behind the goal, it's always a good feeling."

Ex-Latics boss Sheridan added: "I've got really good memories of being here [at Oldham], a lot of fondness for the club. But my priority is about getting three points for us, back onto the winning trail and trying to keep involved nearer the top and mixing with the top teams.

"We've got back on the winning track and now we have to put a little run ourselves together, and try and get back to where we were only two weeks ago."

Sheridan also hailed midfielder Kelvin Etuhu's display as "outstanding" - while he also explained his decision to appoint former Oldham defender Anthony Gerrard captain for the game.

"A couple of times I've been [at Oldham] he was a massive part of keeping the team up two years on the trot," United's boss said.

"I think he's been a really good player for Oldham and I just thought I'd respect him and give him the opportunity to come back to his old club and captain the team.

"It was just for the one game. Lids [Gary Liddle] understands - he'll be back as captain next week."

Sheridan, meanwhile, said he expects injury absentees Richie Bennett (groin) and Jamie Devitt (knee) to return in the next seven to 10 days.

*United's youth team were beaten 3-1 by Bury in the Youth Alliance Cup. Keighran Kerr was on target for Darren Edmondson's under-18 side.