Carlisle United fell to a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy – how did we rate the players at Brunton Park?

GABE BREEZE – 6

Deflection wrongfooted him for opener, then powerful finish beat the keeper at the end. One fine save had kept United in it before that.

JACK ELLIS – 7

Looked to get on the front foot in line with the caretakers’ intentions, and made a positive contribution overall at right-back.

CAMERON HARPER – 6

On his belated debut, the summer signing arrived in some positive areas early on, before Carlisle replaced him at the break.

SAM LAVELLE – 6

Carlisle were on top for large spells and Lavelle was suitably aggressive against United’s young opponents.

JON MELLISH – 5

Involved in some bright early moments but was caught out by lively visitors when they opened Carlisle up for first goal.

HARRISON NEAL – 5

The usual trademark tackles, and tried to move ball more sharply than before, but there were times when Forest’s nimble youngsters, notably the impressive Gardner, gave United problems.

DYLAN McGEOUCH – 6

A typical McGeouch showing at the base of midfield, where he looked to get on the ball and prompt United, before he was withdrawn at half-time.

DOMINIC SADI – 8

Some of his individual skills and adhesive moments of control were a joy to watch, and he was involved in the best of everything United did.

SAM HETHERINGTON – 7

A debut that did the 18-year-old plenty of credit. Could even have had a goal early on, while his passing was sound and a couple of crosses also showed quality.

DANIEL ADU-ADJEI – 6

Some of his combinations with Sadi impressed and he got into some good areas, but the finish wouldn’t come.

LUKE ARMSTRONG – 5

Will rarely enjoy as many chances again, and really should have come out of this game with at least one goal to his name.

Subs: Freddie O’Donoghue – 6 – Busy debut for 17-year-old on right.

Ben Williams – 6 – Tried to offer outlet on left.

Aran Fitzpatrick – 6 – A couple of astute passes.

Jake Allan – 7 – Took his first senior goal with style on debut.

Star man – Dominic Sadi – You couldn’t take your eye off United’s number 24, who was at the heart of United’s brightest attacking, and at least gave fans starved of wins some entertainment.