Carlisle United's bid to reach the Central League Cup final for the second successive season is over.

The Blues suffered a 2-1 semi-final defeat at the hands of Preston North End.

A young United side represented the club in the reserve cup last-four encounter in Lancashire.

Preston's side, meanwhile, included former Carlisle loanee Ethan Walker.

And the Championship club went in front on 37 minutes thanks to Mikey O'Neill.

That gave Preston a half-time lead which they held until the 79th minute.

United then levelled when a cross from Lewis Bell deflected past the North End keeper.

But Carlisle's hopes of a comeback win were dashed when O'Neill fired home a penalty in the 82nd minute after sub DJ Taylor was penalised for a challenge.

United had progressed to the last four by beating Morecambe last week but there will be no repeat of last season's trip to St George's Park in the final.

Walker, who was on loan at Brunton Park last season, played the first 78 minutes before being replaced in the game at Preston's Springfields training ground.

United: Breeze, Gordon, Carr, Ellis, Kilsby, Nugent, Watt, L Bell, Bollado, Hardy (Taylor 46), Fishburn. Not used: Simons, Boyd, M Bell.