Boss Hill hails young guns as Fleetwood Town shoot out of blocks with winning start at Carlisle

Harvey Saunders grabbed the headlines with two second-half goals but Hill was also pleased with the performances of central defenders Harrison Holgate and James Hill, who put in assured displays against a lively home team.

Joey Barton's number two said: "We had a young team out and they did well. I thought the two centre-backs grew in confidence as the game went on and put in a very good performance, and it was a really good night for Harvey.

“He’s coming on well and we’ve seen a vast improvement from when he first came here.

"He’s eager, he’s hungry, he’s always asking questions and he’s always doing extras. He fully deserved his two goals.

"He took his chances well and his work ethic was excellent. He was very impressive and it was good to see him getting the rewards for all his hard work.

“The lads had to respond to a bit of adversity, when Carlisle took the lead from what we thought was an offside position, but they were brave.

"They were up against some strong opponents and tonight will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.

"They have shown loads of potential on the training ground and in under-23 games, but it is in games like this where they cut their teeth and they will learn a lot from it.

"We always try to promote youth where can, and although we know we need to strengthen in certain areas the young lads were a credit to themselves. It’s time for them to kick on.’'

Town gave debuts to goalkeeper Joel Coleman and midfielder Callum Camps, with the latter scoring Town's first goal of the season.

"I was pleased with both of them,’’ added Hill. “They have been really good additions to the squad and they have been welcomed by the group.

"Joel dominated his area, which is what we are looking for, and Callum is full of energy and will get goals from midfield, an area where we struggled a bit last year.

"Callum is full of energy and makes clever runs, and I’m sure he will grab goals for the team.

"There is real competition among our goalkeepers. Alex Cairns is a great pro, and although he finds himself on the bench at the moment he is someone who trains hard and looks after himself.

"He is ready to step in at any moment and and that is the sort of competition for places we want across the squad.’'