Abbott (r) congratulates Saints' boss Alan Pardew after the last year's final

Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott is expecting a tough test if he is to guide his side to a second successive Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.

Tuesday's 3-1 defeat of Crewe Alexandra continued their progress but all the other teams in the northern area semi-final draw are League One rivals.

"You wouldn't expect to get to a final at Wembley without some hard games," Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We're still in there and scrapping, it's two massive ties now."

Abbott added: "It's two rounds from Wembley and if we can nip through the next one we're in the area final."

Carlisle were beaten finalists in last season's competition, losing 4-1 to Southampton at Wembley after eliminating Leeds United in the area final.

Meanwhile, United striker Gary Madine started Tuesday's match hours after he was sentenced to community service after pleading guilty to an assault charge on 27 February, and was influential throughout as the Cumbrians overcame a tricky Crewe side.

"His appetite for the game was terrific, he's worked his socks off again," Abbott said of the Birtley-born striker.

"It doesn't matter to Gary whether it's a Johnstone's Paint or an FA Cup final, his attitude is spot on around the football club."

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