Carlisle’s festive diary closed with a sorry defeat at the hands of York City today. An expectant 5716 fans – 592 from York – will have been baffled by such a change in form after wins against Northampton and away at Morecambe, but the team must accept the blame for a woeful performance from back to front. Each of York’s goals was the result of a defensive lapse, failing to take chances to clear the ball, failing to tackle effectively or simply passing to York’s offensive line. Whilst the defence was poor, the midfield was too often bypassed by lofted clearances, and when called into service simply failed to dominate. Sweeney was particularly singled out by the crowd for failing to get involved or provide the quality of service that the striker(s) needed. Potts failed to impress (and was described by a South African friend watching his first game with the round ball as “lazy”). Up front Beck’s flick-ons were uncontrolled, usually managing to find no-one. Only Asamoah managed to rouse the crowd but on too few occasions. The introductions of Hammell and Rigg after half-time, and Symington with 11 minutes to go, failed to change anything. 1
The mass exodus after York’s third, and the chorus of boos at the final whistle, is an indication that most of the part-time support that were brought out into a cold Carlisle Winter’s afternoon for a feast of football will probably leave it for another year. The cold cuts that were served up today can only emphasise to all but the diehard fans that better entertainment can be found elsewhere, and more cheaply. An opportunity lost.
Hanford 6
Brown 6
Anderson 5
Meppen-Walter 5
Grainger 6
Amoo 5 (Hammell 4 (46)),
Potts 4 (Rigg 5 (46)),
Sweeney 3 (Symington 6 (79)),
Dempsey 5
Beck 6
Asamoah 7
Unused subs - Eccles, Thirlwell, Brough, O'Hanlon