Keith Curle said Carlisle United showed both style and steel as they kept up their unbeaten start to the new season.

The Blues' 1-0 win over Plymouth saw Curle's new-look side maintain their impressive early form.

Reggie Lambe's first-half winner was followed by some dogged defending as United prevailed at Brunton Park.

It meant Carlisle have taken four points from their opening two league games for the first time since 2010.

The Blues have also scored first in all three of their games so far in league and cup - another sign of progress according to Curle.

The United manager said: "We showed both sides of us.

"In the first half we played entertaining, free-flowing, attractive football, and looked a threat.

"In the second half we needed a bit of steel and resilience to withstand what [Plymouth] were trying to do to hurt us.

"The clean sheet and victory were very much deserved.

"I think good teams can win 1-0, and the players get rewarded for clean sheets. Scoring first is also something that's probably been foreign to us.

"Last season we showed a resilience to get something out of games after going behind, but this season if we can build on that by scoring first, and not letting teams back into it, it's another way we can cause teams problems."

Bermudan winger Lambe was named man of the match after scoring his second goal in successive games, in front of a 5,129 crowd.

But Curle also praised the defensive side of his team, including the dogged midfield efforts of Mike Jones and Luke Joyce, and some wholehearted performances from his back four.

That included a vital late goalline block from Danny Grainger to prevent Gary Miller from equalising.

Curle said: "It's that willingness, without a second thought, to get across the line, block the shot, and be prepared to throw yourself into it.

"We needed that resilience and backbone.

"The season doesn’t pan out until 16 games, but this [period] is about us gaining momentum and confidence. Players with confidence makes the club an enjoyable place to be around."

Curle welcomed Jabo Ibehre back from injury as a second-half sub, but Shaun Brisley is again unlikely to figure against Cheltenham tomorrow as he works his way back from an ankle injury.

United's manager confirmed he still wants to strengthen his squad on the wings and in attack, claiming he missed out on one target to a League One club last week.

The Blues boss also says he plans to inform Alex McQueen of his decision on a new contract today following Friday's face-to-face talks with the right-back and his father.

"I'm going to speak to Alex [today] and he will know exactly the position. Then it will be made public."