ROVERS boss Nigel Adkins was thrilled by the “smashing” performance of striker Omari Patrick on his old stomping ground as the former Carlisle hitman scored twice in a 2-1 win at Brunton Park.

A brace from former United forward consigned Carlisle to a fourth loss in five games in all competitions this season and prompted the Cumbia outfit to part company with manager Paul Simpson.

Patrick opened the scoring for Rovers early on, but Archie Davies responded immediately for the Cumbrians.

Patrick then restored Tranmere’s lead just before half-time with a brilliant strike and that was enough to seal all three points for Adkins’ men.

“It was wonderful, we were enjoying it with the super white army there at the end. Hot day, big pitch, good opposition and we started the game ever so well,” said Adkins.

“Zak Bradshaw came in as we were playing a big side and he marauded his way in and set up Omari and then it’s 1-0.

“Then we conceded the first league goal of the season, we were disappointed as we should have stopped the cross, soon after scoring as well, but then we worked the corner well, something which we worked on yesterday and Omari came up with exactly what we were after and we’re 2-1 up.

“He (Patrick) was a good player today, he was smashing. From my point of view we’ve stood up to the challenge, for me this was a good victory, away from home and we’ve shown resilience, ability to play, ability to counter-attack.

“It’s an excellent three points away from home and it’s eight points from four now, two points per game and that’s what you need come the end of the season.”

Midfielder Zak Bradshaw, who is on loan from Lincoln City, added: “The gaffer said it was gonna be tough. It’s been a tough couple of weeks with games on games.

“He just said this one’s going to be another tough battle and it literally was.”

Rovers now face a football free weekend due to the international break and Bradshaw is seeing it as a positive.

"A rest could do us good," he said. "We've gone Saturday, Tuesday for a while now and we'll have more time to rest and work on the training pitch."