Gavin Skelton felt Carlisle United were “more like our old selves” in the way they approached their final pre-season friendly.

A 3-0 home win over FC Halifax Town rounded off the Blues’ build-up to the new League Two season.

Zach Clough, Manasse Mampala and an own-goal saw United to a comfortable win against a trialist-heavy visiting side.

Assistant boss Skelton said he saw signs that United are in a good place ahead of next Saturday’s big kick-off.

“I felt we were a bit more like our old selves,” he said.

“How we started the game is how we want to start games.

“It felt more real. It was a good night for football. Even in the warm-up you could tell there was that intensity just building towards next Saturday.

“We’re happy with the result, but the performance and opportunities we created was pleasing. I think it was a good, productive workout.”

Clough’s sixth-minute free-kick opened the scoring before Mampala netted from close range six minutes later.

A Halifax defender’s own-goal three minutes from time completed the scoring.

Skelton conceded there were still things to work on but said United are looking sharp.

“We looked at ourselves, and there were good habits right around the pitch,” he said.

“No matter what’s happened in the game, you look at moments like when the left winger’s got it, what’s the right back doing?

“It looked like good habits. The clearances were better and cleaner, the headers were cleaner.

“There are lots to tidy up on, as there is in every game and you want the highest standards possible.

“There was some pleasing stuff but you can always improve and we know we need to improve for Colchester. But there were good blocks to build on.”

News and Star: Manny Mampala celebrates (photo: Barbara Abbott)Manny Mampala celebrates (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Skelton admitted Clough’s set-piece quality was on show – while he praised the progress of ex-Everton forward Mampala after his latest pre-season strike.

“Manny did really well,” the coach said.

“We’re seeing improvements in him since he’s joined us. I think he’s enjoying it and it shows.

“If you’re enjoying it and feel wanted, your energy levels and confidence goes up.

“I thought it was a really good goal. He showed some good bits of play, he’s improving on his hold-up play, his aerial threat, when the ball’s hit to him from different areas – he does work on it in training, he is conscientious, and he gives the manager a problem for selection.”

United again used different formations during the game and Skelton stressed it would help players be adaptable in the 2021/22 season.

“That’s what pre-season’s for and what we’ve tried to do from the first game at Penrith,” he said.

“If we need to change, people can change straight away and it’s not a big issue so it’s not a case of ‘I’ve not played here before, I don’t know what to do’.

“If you’re winning every game in the same formation, happy days, but there’ll be times, I’m sure, when we have to change formation.”