Last updated at 12:36, Thursday, 29 November 2012

Rory Loy scored his first goal for nearly a year and Paul Thirlwell returned from injury in a big double boost to Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott.

Rory Loy

Striker Loy was on target for a United XI in a 1-1 friendly draw at Barnsley.

The Scot, out since Boxing Day with a broken leg, also completed 90 minutes for the first time since returning to fitness.

The Oakwell outing brings 24-year-old Loy closer to a first-team return for the Cumbrians. His strike was his first since scoring against Wycombe on December 17 last year.

“It was great to see Rory get on the score sheet and get a full game under his belt in what were really testing conditions,” said assistant manager Graham Kavanagh.

Captain Thirlwell, meanwhile, got through the full game after missing a month with an ankle injury.

The experienced midfielder could now return to the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth.

There was also a first United outing for Derby loan defender Valentin Gjokaj.

Carlisle remain in talks with the Rams over whether the 19-year-old Swiss will be allowed to play in the Bournemouth tie.

Manchester United loanee Sean McGinty also played along with experienced first-teamers JP McGovern, Liam Noble and Kallum Higginbotham. Danny Cadamarteri was not involved as he continues to have treatment on his groin injury. Barnsley fielded a senior side including Tom Kennedy, Chris Dagnall, Matt Done, Kelvin Etuhu and Bobby Hassell.

Carlisle United: Gillespie, Thirlwell, Bugno (Berwick 60), Gjokaj, McGinty, McGovern, Todd, Noble (Lynch 82), Welsh, Loy, Higginbotham (Salmon 70). Not used: Parker, Gwinnutt.

First published at 12:33, Thursday, 29 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk