Carlisle United’s young pros Max Kilsby and Kai Nugent were both in action as the Scottish League One survival fight remained finely poised.

The duo were on the losing side with Queen of the South and Annan Athletic respectively as things go to the wire.

Defender Kilsby’s latest start in his half-season loan came as Queens went down 2-1 at home to Kelty Hearts.

The 20-year-old’s ninth appearance saw him play the first 67 minutes as the Doonhamers fell behind to Lewis Moore’s goal before a Reece Lyon own-goal levelled things.

Kilsby was replaced by former Carlisle striker Gavin Reilly as boss Marvin Bartley pushed for victory – but instead Kelty struck again through Craig Johnston to win 2-1.

Annan were also beaten on home soil as second-placed Hamilton proved too strong.

Nugent, the 19-year-old United loan midfielder, came off the bench at half-time as Peter Murphy’s men trailed to Tommy Muir’s own-goal.

Ben Williamson and Euan Henderson then put Accies out of reach with Aidan Smith hitting a late consolation.

It was Nugent’s 21st appearance of his season-long loan. Annan, second bottom, remain three points behind eighth-placed Stirling Albion and seventh-placed Queens.

United’s other young loanees all saw action for Workington Reds in their 2-1 defeat at Worksop Town.

Aran Fitzpatrick and Sam Hetherington were in Danny Grainger’s starting line-up while Jake Allan was a substitute in the Northern Premier League Premier Division game.

Allan came on for goalscorer Lewis Reilly in the 54th minute before Worksop scored twice to overturn Reds’ lead, Hetherington then replaced by Scott Allison with 19 minutes remaining.

United boss Paul Simpson has suggested he could recall the Reds-based youngsters to make up the squad numbers as more injuries hit relegated Carlisle.

A number of ex-Blues were in the thick of the weekend action, meanwhile.

In the Premier League Jarrad Branthwaite produced another impressive showing as Everton earned a 1-0 win over Burnley.

Dean Henderson was in goal for Crystal Palace as they were beaten 4-2 at home by Manchester City.

In League One, Owen Moxon’s latest Portsmouth start came in a 3-1 win over Morgan Feeney’s Shrewsbury Town as Pompey took another step towards promotion.

League Two saw Paddy Madden hit a first-half hat-trick for leaders Stockport County in a 3-1 win at struggling Sutton United.

News and Star: Paddy Madden scored three for Stockport at SuttonPaddy Madden scored three for Stockport at Sutton (Image: PA)

Salford City’s Elliot Watt was sent off late on for two bookable offences in their 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon.

Brandon Comley was on target for Walsall as they won 3-1 at Tranmere Rovers.

In the National League, Hallam Hope scored for Oldham Athletic in their 1-1 draw with Rochdale.

Tom Parkes found the net late on to seal a 2-0 win for Hartlepool United against Aldershot Town.

National League North saw Max Hunt grab a goal as Buxton defeated Chorley 3-1.

George Glendon was among the goals as Chester claimed a 6-1 win at Gloucester City.

In NPL West, Courtney Meppen-Walters struck in Nantwich Town’s 4-2 win over Stalybridge Celtic.

And in the same division Jake Jervis’s goal earned Hednesford Town a point at Prescot Cables.

The North West Counties League Premier Division saw Sam Adewusi on target for Wythenshawe in their  4-1 win over Pilkington.

Australia’s A-League, meanwhile, featured a Tom Aldred goal in Brisbane Roar’s 2-1 win at Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday.

Sunday's Old Firm clash in the Scottish Premiership saw James Tavernier convert a penalty as Rangers fought back to draw 3-3 with Celtic at Ibrox.