The two young Carlisle United players sent out on loan last week both made their debuts in a losing cause.

Defender Max Kilsby went straight into the Annan Athletic side for their Scottish League Two opener at Stranraer.

And striker Sam Fishburn started for Blyth Spartans in their pre-season friendly at North Shields.

Peter Murphy handed 18-year-old Kilsby an immediate debut in the Annan defence for their game at Stair Park.

The teenager played the first 60 minutes before being replaced by Tommy Muir.

Annan, though, were unable to turn things around after conceding to a 26th-minute Paul Woods penalty.

They went down to a 1-0 defeat, with Kilsby's next chance to impress coming at home to Stenhousemuir on Saturday.

The young Blues man was joined in the Annan XI by former Carlisle player Greg Fleming, Charlie Barnes, Josh Galloway, while Roan Steele and Steve Swinglehurst were among the subs.

Striker Fishburn, meanwhile, played the first half for Blyth at North Shields on Saturday.

The big frontman, 18, headed wide an eighth-minute chance as he looked to make an early impact.

And Fishburn was denied involvement in an 18th-minute goal when his header was flicked towards goal by Alex Nicholson, but Shields keeper Finlay Hodgson pulled off a save.

The young Blues player was among three Blyth men replaced at the break by boss Terry Mitchell.

JJ O'Donnell went on to give Blyth the lead but two Brad Hird goals then handed the hosts a 2-1 win.

Fishburn could now make his league debut against Kidderminster next Saturday in National League North.