Morecambe 1 Carlisle United 2: A worrying-looking injury to Josh Dixon marred Carlisle United’s progress to the semi-finals of the Central League Cup.

The 21-year-old midfielder went down in the 60th minute and had to be helped off the pitch with what looked like an injury to his right knee.

The Blues and Dixon will hope it is not a serious problem for a young pro who has already fought back from two long-term knee injuries in his time at Brunton Park.

United, in the rearranged reserve clash, had to come from behind to beat their Lancashire visitors at Penrith’s Frenchfield Park, with Sam Fishburn and Gime Toure on target.

The Blues – who named a largely young XI, with Toure the only senior figure involved as the rest of the first-team squad travelled to Walsall – conceded to a Callum Sandle goal early in the second half.

But Fishburn soon brought them level, with Toure then striking the winner 13 minutes from time.

It sends United’s second string through to a last-four clash with Preston North End.

Toure could have opened the scoring twice in the opening stages but shot wide from the left and was then denied by Morecambe’s keeper.

Charlie Watt then had a pair of chances but saw a shot saved when he could have squared to Fishburn.

Watt then fired narrowly wide before Nic Bollado went close, the young forward – starting in midfield – then failing to beat the keeper after forcing his way through.

Carlisle remained on top with Toure and Bollado again missing chances, and Blues keeper Scott Simons with few saves to make.

Dixon shot over and Toure supplied a weak finish as the goalless first half petered out.

Ryan Carr shot over after a determined run early in the second half as United looked for an opener, Toure then denied by the visiting keeper from the edge of the box.

But it was Morecambe who then struck the opening goal, Sandle breaking onto a one-two to finish impressively across Simons from the right of the box.

United then suffered an injury blow as Dixon stayed down hurt after a challenge and cried out in pain as he hit the deck.

The midfielder received several minutes of treatment and was visibly upset as he was eventually helped to his feet and helped off the pitch.

Dixon was struggling on his right knee as he was led slowly to the tunnel by the Blues' physio as Mason Hardy came off the bench.

Carlisle then fought their way back into the game in the 70th minute through their best attack.

Watt fed the overlapping Kilsby on the left and when his shot was saved, Watt skilfully evaded defenders before his shot came back off the post – where Fishburn pounced to volley it home.

Kilsby then volleyed a Hardy cross over before, at the other end, Simons was at full-stretch to keep out a Shrimps attempt from outside the box.

A mis-hit cross from Morecambe’s Oliver Cooper hit the bar – before Toure put the Cumbrians into the lead, capping a run down the right with a check inside and a firm left-footed finish.

Sub Dan Hill almost added a third but rifled across goal and wide from a swift counter-attack, while Fishburn was closed down as he looked to add to his tally.

Watt and Fishburn brought further late saves from Morecambe’s keeper as Carlisle finished the game on the front foot.

United will now take on Preston as they aim to reach the final of the reserve cup for the second consecutive season.

United: Simons, Potts, Carr, Gordon, Kilsby, Dixon (Hardy 64), Watt, Bollado, Taylor (Hill 70), Fishburn, Toure. Not used: Boyd, Ellis.