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"To go 2-0 down in eight minutes and keep going as we did was quite pleasing. It's a good job we did keep going because otherwise it could have been four or five. We know we need to be better and we know we need to improve and it's going to be a tough season, but they stuck at it and they did well in the end.
"We've tried to pick the boys up in the dressing room, which is difficult because they know we could have been better. We were at fault for the two goals but that's where we are because it's a massive learning curve for some of them. But I think it's a good thing we've got a game so soon afterwards. We won't be able to dwell on the Bristol game, and we'll get them out on the training field and try and pick everyone up and put a smile on their faces.
"Carlisle will be another tough game and the onus will be on us against them to go out and be positive and try to win the game. We've had Carlisle watched and we'll have a look at the report on them. But it'll be difficult again and I've said to the lads I don't want anyone coming in feeling sorry for themselves because we've got a chance to put things right tomorrow.
"They're a good group. They're very down at the moment because they're young lads and it's our job to pick them up and keep them going. Some of these players shouldn't be involved at this level yet - they should still be learning their trade.
"But that's where we're at and the only option we've got to it is to go even younger. No one seems to give us a chance. You read every football magazine or look at every betting firm and they've got us as relegation favourites and we need to develop a bit of a `them and us' mentality."
Stockport only have one injury problem this evening, that being the long-term absence of midfielder Matty Mainwaring who fractured his tibia and fibula in a late July pre-season friendly win over Grimsby Town. 20-year old Chelsea man Liam Bridcutt being signed on loan last Friday, pending FA approval, until the New Year as cover for Mainwaring. Bridcutt joining the Hatters a week after former Carlisle boss John Ward had become the new Stockport assistant manager.
The referee for tonight's match is Andy Hall from Birmingham, and he will be assisted down the lines by Gary Hilton from Wigan and David Storrie from South Yorkshire. Meanwhile the fourth official is David Plowright from Mansfield.