Carlisle United 2 Middlesbrough 4

SZILARD NEMETH bagged two goals as Boro beat League Two Carlisle United at Brunton Park last night.

The Slovakian striker, playing in the centre of a front three as Boro adopted a 4-3-3 formation, scored both in a first half which saw the visitors play some neat, controlled football.

Stewart Downing returned to action, his first since pulling out of England's two-match schedule of the USA late in May.

Since then he has undergone knee surgery, but looked none the worse last night as he appeared to move freely and comfortably, looking quite sharp.

Jason Kennedy and Lee Cattermole turned in good performances in midfield, as did Gary Liddle who played the opening 45 minutes, his first 'lengthy' period of action since fracturing his spine and missing the whole of last season.

The opening goal came after 26 minutes when Carlisle lost possession, allowing Nemeth to go one on one with goalkeeper Anthony Williams; a delicate chip putting Boro in front.

He almost scored again shortly before the half hour mark before Boro extended their lead two minutes from the break, Nemeth comfortably beating the offside trap before striking a superb volley that flew in to the bottom corner.

Coach Malcolm Crosby made two changes during the break, three more during a second half which saw the home side come back into the game.

Paul Simpson's side had been plucky throughout, but all too often spoiled neat approach play with wayward finishing, but David Knight, a 60th minute replacement for Ross Turnbull, was called into action early to save from Simpson after a neat move involving Brendan McGill, Paul Arnison and Adam Murray had set him up.

Knight then saved from Karl Hawley following another good move, before Carlisle finally found their way through 13 minutes from time when Simpson picked out McGill who crossed for Derek Holmes to head in.

Two minutes later Boro were awarded a penalty which was neatly tucked away by Tom Craddock.

Better was to come as Josh Walker scored his first goal in Boro colours, the 16-year-old left-sided midfielder finding himself with plenty of time to crack a low shot past Williams.

In the closing minutes United added a second with an excellent volley from Simon Hackney from 25 yards with just about his first touch, Hackney almost adding another when a low shot was deflected just wide.

TEAMS

Carlisle United: Williams; Arnison (Beharall 85), Murphy (Simpson 65), Billy, Livesey, Gray, McGill, Aranalde, Nade (Holmes 75), Hawley (Hackney 88), Murray. Unused subs: Grand, McClen, Thompson.

Boro: Turnbull (Knight 60); Reiziger (Grounds 46), Bates, Cooper (Clough 74), Hines, Kennedy, Cattermole, Liddle (Craddock 46), Johnson, Nemeth, Downing (Walker 63). Unused subs: Burgess, Robson.

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