The loss of on loan Leon Osman and Michael Taylor who have returned to their clubs Everton and Blackburn Rovers respectively will increase the pressure on Roddy Collins to go back into the transfer market for an experienced head to get United out of trouble. In addition striker Richie Foran is currently serving a three-match ban and midfield ace Mark Summerbell will start a 3-match ban of his own next week. But Collins is refusing to panic and said he was "not concerned" after the latest setback at the Matchroom Stadium. Carlisle have taken the lead in their last four league games but picked up only two points. They have not won for six matches since a 2-1 success at Kidderminster on November 9. Their last seven league defeats have all been by a 2-1 margin with the Cumbrians scoring first in four of them. Collins blamed his defence for lapses that cost his side three points in East London, but he remains positive his young side can turn things around, starting with the testing trip to Hartlepool on New Year's Day, where United have not won in Division Three since September 1996. "It was very disappointing, particularly when we took the lead with a fantastic goal," he said of the Orient defeat. "We were under no pressure but poor defending on both occasions cost us goals. The lads worked really hard but the lapses in concentration were bitterly disappointing. We dominated the second half and created chances, but our possession could have resulted in more constructive play. I'm not concerned. We'll go away and work at it in training." The Cumbrians began the year with a 6-1 crushing of the same opposition at Brunton Park when John Courtenay was present to attend his first United game. It took the Irish businessman over six months to finally persaude Michael Knighton to sell him his majority stake and Courtenay has since poured money into the club and has vowed to get United into Division One within five years. Average attendances this season have improved by almost 2,000 on the previous campaign and United have had the bonus of several extra cup ties including a large gate of 6,809 for the replay with Scunthorpe last week. However they missed out on £100,000 of Sky TV money when the original replay was postponed because of a frozen pitch and defeat to the Iron meant another TV bonus of £40,000 went missing as well as big gate receipts from what was sure to be a sell-out crowd for the 3rd Round tie against Premiership giants Leeds United. United could still earn a big cash bonus if they reach the final of the LDV Vans Trophy at Cardiff. They face Bury next month in the Northern Semi-Finals at Brunton Park and if they get through will face either hot favourites Crewe Alexandra or Shrewsbury Town in the two-legged area final. Picture from News & Star |
