Carlisle United’s manager, Paul Simpson, expressed his joy and relief after the team secured a crucial victory against Port Vale. The 2-1 win, with Jon Mellish scoring in added time, lifted Carlisle off the bottom of League One, moving them up two places and within three points of safety.
Simpson, pleased with the much-needed win, acknowledged the significance for the team, the club, himself, and the owners, the Piatak family from Florida. This victory marked Carlisle’s first win in ten league games and the first since the Piataks acquired the club. Simpson highlighted the owners’ dedication, noting their active involvement in improving various aspects of the club, such as the dressing room areas, hospitality, and future plans for the East Stand and training grounds.
The manager commended the owners’ hands-on approach, emphasizing their daily commitment to the club’s betterment. He expressed his happiness for them, stating that the win was a reward for their efforts and dedication during their stay in the UK.
The match itself saw Carlisle coming from behind, with Ben Garrity putting Port Vale ahead before Jordan Gibson’s penalty leveled the score. Mellish secured the victory by heading home Jack Robinson’s injury-time corner. Simpson praised the team’s character and quality, emphasizing the importance of belief and bravery in attacking play.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Simpson acknowledged a lapse in concentration leading to Port Vale’s goal but commended the players for their resilience. He stressed the need for bravery and belief in front of goal, noting the positive signs of improvement in these aspects during the Port Vale match.
Looking ahead, Simpson emphasized the importance of the team’s spirit in turning the game around as a foundation for further improvement. He acknowledged the challenging situation the team is in but expressed optimism about the newfound fighting chance and boost the victory provides for the upcoming matches in the second half of the season.
Simpson concluded by addressing the long-term plan for the club, expressing relief at being part of it and dispelling any short-term concerns from supporters. He affirmed his commitment to steering Carlisle United to safety and contributing to the club’s success in the era under the ownership of the Piatak family.
Leave a Reply