United gave a debut to left back Chris Beech, signed from Doncaster Rovers as a stand-in for injured Tom Cowan and departed loanee Mark Tierney, with the rest of the line-up unchanged from Tuesday night. Carlisle pushed up early on to try and impose their passing game on the visitors, and they were rewarded with an early goal in the 7th minute. Derek Holmes, in only his second appearance at Brunton Park, collected Kevin Gray's long pass and planted a left foot lob over keeper Paul Crichton from the left edge of the box and neatly into the opposite corner. Steve Flitcroft tested Kieren Westwood with a shot from 25 yards on 16 minutes, then on 21 minutes Chris Billy fired in a rasping drive that only just missed the target with Crichton at full stretch. On 42 minutes came the turning point in the match. Referee Tattan spotted a handball by Gray that nobody else seemed to and Ged Brannan placed the ball on the penalty spot. The former Oldham man's shot was struck firmly to Westwood's right but the young keeper reacted brilliantly to push the ball aside and preserve the lead. Suitably encouraged, the home side went in to a much better reception than they have enjoyed in recent weeks. Manager Paul Simpson though was keen to make a change early in the second period and replaced winger Brendan McGill with the pacy Magno Vieira. On Tuesday night the introduction of the exciting Brazilian had led to an immediate goal and so it proved again. Vieira's ball from his own half released Karl Hawley into space behind the defence and the United top marksman ran into the box down the left channel to fire an acute drive into the net off the inside of the opposite post. It was the sort of finishing the Cumbrians have lacked for months. United grew in confidence and Vieira's effort on 61 minute was tipped over by Crichton. Billy tried his luck from 20 yards a couple of minutes later but his effort was always too high. Murphy fired wildly over before Billy had another go and this time was only a few inches over as he tried to increase his meagre tally of goals for United. With 7 minutes remaining Hawley got in an effort that was a shade too high, with Carlisle comfortably in command. Al's verdict: This was much better from United. We looked like the side who moved into second place before Christmas with our midfield in charge and the strikers looking hungry for goals again. Hawley's goal was out of the top drawer, even if there looked to be a slight hint of a fluke about the first one from Holmes, but who really cares? Gray makes a huge difference at the back, always pushing up and attacking the ball and always talking and organising his fellow defenders. Also well done to Kieren Westwood who was in tears after his nervous performance at Stevenage last week but this week was the hero with the penalty stop. Once again give under-fire Simmo some praise for his substitution which gave us a bit more down the right and led to immediate dividends with the game-clinching goal. Its amazing how many times players he has brought on have changed games for us this season. Amidst all the criticism this should be remembered. Back into the play-off places now and hopefully, we'll be able to stay there. Tuesday night at Hereford will be another tough test though. |
