Carlisle United 3 Bradford City 1: Carlisle United booked a third round clash with Blackburn Rovers after an excellent victory over Bradford City in the FA Youth Cup.

Eric Kinder’s Under-18s produced a positive display as they saw off the young Bantams at Brunton Park.

Sam Fishburn put the Cumbrians in front and after Samuel Bentley levelled for the visitors, Adam Walton and Lewis Bell – the latter with a penalty – sealed Carlisle’s progress.

It means Kinder’s former club Blackburn – semi-finalists last season – will visit Brunton Park next month.

United made the early running in the second round tie with Rowan Steele having a second-minute shot saved and Bell also testing keeper Tom Donaghy.

Olivier Sukiennicki went close for the Bantams with a free-kick before Connor Morris passed up a good chance for the visitors from close range.

Blues defender Josh Barnett made a good interception to deny Jack Wilson before the Cumbrians took the lead on 20 minutes.

It came when Elliott Day nodded a deep corner back into the six-yard box and Fishburn was there to apply the decisive touch.

Fishburn forced a good save from Donaghy afterwards but Bradford fought back well with some dangerous set-pieces – and that route brought their 38th-minute leveller as Bentley  rose to head home a corner from the right.

Kinder’s side, though, regained the lead just before half-time after a mix-up at the Bradford back saw Walton capitalise, the midfielder pouncing to guide the ball into the empty net.

Bell, handed professional terms at United this season, forced a save from Donaghy soon after the break and then the winger increased the young Blues’ lead from the penalty spot, confidently firing home after sub Dylan Garvey had been clipped in the box.

Bell almost added a fourth when his free-kick hit the crossbar on the hour mark as United remained on top, Fishburn then failing to head a Jack Ellis cross past Donaghy.

Mark Trueman’s Bradford tried to find a way back but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Blues defence.

The third-round clash with Blackburn must be played by December 12.

United: Robinson, Steele, Kilsby, Leslie, Barnett, Day, Ellis, Walton, Fishburn, Bell, Watt (Garvey 46). Not used: Taylor, Hill, Simons, Breeze.

Bradford: Donaghy, Rowe, Norman, Palit (Pointon 83), Bentley, Maumbe, Wilson, Sukiennicki, Morris, Wood, Roberts. Not used: Ombang, Ajibode, Ormerod, Thewlis, Tunkara, Youmbi.