The Poolie Bunker

Great game last night between two teams trying to play the game the right way.It could be argued that Carlisle were fortunate to be leading at the break but to be honest for all the possession you had, very few chances if any were created bar the goal (Not sour grapes but Foley was lucky to still be on pitch after his theatrical attempt to con the ref into a pen) - Excellent cross for goal though (Carlisle failed to pick up the short corner routine all game and got punished). Both Grahams goals were the end result of good passing moves. When we want to we can be very strong upfront but we gave you respect and were cautious, keeping a tight back line and defending from the front (Graham and Garner covered back all game).Your passing game is very good to watch - most passes were fast and accurate with not much being wasted and our defence had to be 100% on there game. Can't understand the criticism towards Richie Humphries on here from where I was he was solid at the back against a right winger (On lone from Preston) who is better than this league. He always looked for the pass and created from the back whenever he could.
Second half, if we had finished how we started then there was only one winner but we didn't. Big mistake by Abbott to substitute both wingers and Garner within the space of 2 minutes - This destroyed the shape and we appeared to go ultra defensive leaving only Graham up front therefore presenting virtually no threat in attack. This enabled you to commit more players to attack and with Wilsons astute substitutions it can be argued we were lucky to get a point as in the last 20 mins of play it was all Hartlepool.
Best footballing team we have played this season think you will be better away from home where you will get more space as I think most teams will play it tight at VP. Also that playing surface has to be best in the league by a mile.
Good luck - Both teams can realistically aim for the playoffs.

Top Man (or Woman!!)

Ironically the most sensible match report yet and from a Carlisle fan. Are our expectations too high after last seasons amazing run? The standard in this league is far superior to some of the dross last season?!

i was at the match last night and the only answer i could give was !FUSTRATED! .
i thought we started very nervous and didnt get to grips with the game and the only decent spells i seen is when we equalised and the last 5 mins after a very luck leveler.
i wasnt at the match saturday gone, and i got told that was one of the worst home peformances for a while, well this for me was close to it as well as nerves seem to be going round the camp at the moment.
and the biggest sign of this was in folley he looked well out of his depth and shouldnt of started.

Foley is an impact player not a starter!!!!

He is very good against tired defences in the last 20 minutes - in my view not a starter

I don't doubt you for a moment but what about lonetubes?