Salford City boss Gary Bowyer on Carlisle United game

The Blues' opponents had much the better of the first half at Brunton Park.

But after going in 1-1 at the break, the Ammies lost out to a Jon Mellish second-half strike.

Bowyer said his side needed to be more clinical with their chances, though he also praised Carlisle keeper Magnus Norman.

"I think performance-wise and on chances misssed we should have been out of sight by half-time," said Bowyer, whose assistant is former United player and coach Billy Barr.

Salford's Billy Barr, left, with United's Gavin Skelton before the game (Image: Barbara Abbott)

"But we've come across another goalie who's made two outstanding saves.

"Realistically we've lost to two balls pumped in our box - one a long throw and the other a long ball in.

"We have to do that better but in the first half especially, we've come away from home and totally dominated the game.

"We've got to be more clinical, no secret."

United fans taunted Bowyer with chants of 'You're getting sacked in the morning' as Chris Beech's side prevailed 2-1, Mellish's winner coming after Salford's ex-Blues loanee Josh Morris had wiped out Brennan Dickenson's opener

The big-spending Ammies have gone through a number of managers in recent times with Graham Alexander and Richie Wellens both being axed last season.

Salford, the pre-season title favourites, are currently fifth bottom after one win in six.

Bowyer added: "Performance-wise, we're going the right way [about things]. Last week [against Newport] we ended up converting three of those chances - this time we haven't.

"It's just those finer details at both ends of the pitch that we continue to work on."