Rochdale Reserves were well beaten by an impressive Carlisle at a sunny but blustery Dark Lane.

The visitors opened the scoring courtesy of a spectacular strike by former Morecambe front man Danny Carlton on 18 minutes and doubled their lead just before the break when Chris Lumsden scored from close range after the home defence failed to deal with a corner.

In the 2nd period Adam le Fondre saw his curling effort brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Carlisle keeper Chris Howarth and substitute Dennis Sherriff saw his well struck free kick graze the woodwork.

A close range Jeff Smith header from a Carlton cross in the 78th minute ended the game as a contest and though the impressive Will Buckley kept plugging away the nearest Dale came to a consolation saw Joe Thompson foiled by another excellent Howarth save in the dying moments.

Action shots



   Alfie fires just over



  Carlisle keeper catches under pressure

                   Higgy rifles in a free kick

Team
Lloyd Rigby, Andy Lee, George Bowyer, Lee Crooks, Nathan D'Laryea,  Kallum Higginbotham (Dennis Sherriff 62) John Doolan, Chris Basham ( Tom Farrell 63) Joe Thompson , Adam Le Fondre (Ben Wharton 60),Will Buckley 
subs nu Steve Collins, Simon Williams

Carlisle
Chris Howarth, Paul Arnison,Zigor Aranalde, Luke Joyce, Dan Wordsworth, Darren Campion, Neale McDermott, Chris Lumsden, Gary Madine ( Stephen Hindmarsh) Danny Carlton, Jeff Smith.
subs nu Shaun Vipond, Grant Carson, Mat duffy, Tom Aldred