Ward's team open their new season at Bristol Rovers

Carlisle United manager John Ward has criticised his team's display in the 3-1 friendly defeat by Workington Reds.

The Blues, who included last season's top scorer Danny Graham and summer signing Michael Bridges, were outplayed by their opponents on Monday.

"We played against a team with more determination than us and that hurts me," Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's the players that can select themselves and one or two of them have turned down their chance tonight."

Carlisle found themselves 1-0 down within the first minute through Dave Hewson's opener before conceding a further two goals before the half-hour mark from Johnny Wright and Dan Robinson.

Workington have given us a lesson in how to get ready for a game and that's something we are going to have to learn from Carlisle manager John Ward

Michael Bridges scored Carlisle's late consolation from the penalty spot following a foul on teenage striker Gary Madine.

It was Carlisle's second pre-season defeat in the space of three days following their 2-1 reversal at Morecambe.

"It was just like Morecambe in that we didn't appear ready and prepared for the game," Ward said.

"Workington have given us a lesson in how to get ready for a game and that's something we are going to have to learn from."

Ward admitted he could take very few positives from the defeat as his side prepare for Saturday's League One opener against Bristol Rovers.

"Danny Carlton had a go and Luke Joyce worked hard in the middle of the pitch and we got 90 minutes from Michael Bridges.

"But we go back disappointed and possibly I am no near making my selection for the weekend which is where I wanted to be."

Ward has decided to release trialists Tyrone Cameron and Ashley-Paul Robinson after both players were withdrawn at half-time at Borough Park.

"Tyrone found it difficult while Ash showed he is not in a fit state," he said.