Two goals from Danny Carlton helped Carlisle secure a dramatic 3-2 opening day victory at Bristol Rovers.

Youngster inspires Cumbrians

Two goals from young striker Danny Carlton helped Carlisle banish last season's play-off blues with a dramatic 3-2 opening day victory at Bristol Rovers. Rovers struck first when Rickie Lambert netted with a 15th-minute header from Craig Disley's cross, but Carlton equalised three minutes later, deftly nodding home a centre from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson. A sweet left-footed strike from the edge of the box by Bridge-Wilkinson put Carlisle ahead in first-half injury time and Carlton wrapped up the points with a clinical right-footed finish before Andy Williams grabbed a last-gasp consolation. Simon Hackney hit a post for the visitors in the 39th minute with a curling effort from 25 yards, and John Ward's team were well worth the three points.