Tranmere Rovers boss Nigel Adkins has revealed how he had planned to catch Carlisle United "napping" with the goal that won Saturday's game.

A short corner routine led to Omari Patrick's second goal against his former club that earned Tranmere a 2-1 win.

It maintained the Wirral side's unbeaten League Two start on a day that Paul Simpson lost his job as Blues manager.

His opposite number Adkins was delighted with the manner of Tranmere's victory at Brunton Park.

"We've worked on [that] corner," he said.

"We haven't done it all season, but you have it up your sleeve, and we worked on it on Friday.

"We thought we might have an opportunity to catch them napping. A short corner, and Omari Patrick...that's exactly what we're after, he produced that big of magic."

Patrick's brace, either side of Archie Davies' equaliser, proved the difference with the former United attacker inspired on his Carlisle return.

Adkins, speaking to the BBC, said of Patrick: "He has been exceptional.

"We want players to work for the team, and he grafts.

Adkins praised the way Tranmere dealt with Carlisle's physical threatAdkins praised the way Tranmere dealt with Carlisle's physical threat (Image: Ben Holmes)

"He's got ability ,you want to give him the ball, let him go and give him that bit of magic.

"I said to him before the game that he was going to score today. He was there and it was wonderful."

Adkins also praised the way his side stood up to the physical threat posed by Simpson's Carlisle.

"It was a hot day, big pitch, and they were good opposition," he said.

"We started the game ever so well but the first goal we've conceded in the league this season was disappointing - we should have stopped the cross and dealt with it.

"But [overall] we saw the team demonstrating all the things you need - resilience, to defend well. That's the biggest team we'll play against this year.

"There were too many crosses coming into the box for us and we had to deal with that. We tried to address it during the game, and addressed it better at half-time, and I can't remember a save Luke [McGee, Tranmere's keeper] had to make."