John Ward set to ring changes to stop Carlisle United's losing run
Last updated 13:57, Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Carlisle United boss John Ward served notice of making sweeping changes to his stumbling side by leaving a host of key players out of last night’s reserve win over Blackpool.
Michael Bridges, Jennison Myrie-Williams and Cleveland Taylor were among the men expected to start for the second string after being left out of the starting line-up at Walsall on Saturday.
But Ward kept them all out of last night’s 5-2 victory at Brunton Park – his strongest hint yet that they are being earmarked to start against Tranmere this weekend when the Cumbrians are biding to avoid a fourth straight defeat in League One.
Myrie-Williams picked up a minor knee injury in his impressive cameo at Walsall but will be fit for Saturday, and Ward has already admitted the loan winger is “knocking on the door” for a starting role.
Bridges also now looks set for his first start of the league campaign after an encouraging half-hour against the Saddlers.
Ward may also be preparing to move Scott Dobie into his preferred position as a centre-forward, leaving Myrie-Williams and Taylor to fight it out for the right wing role against Ronnie Moore’s mid-table Wirral outfit.
The United boss is ready to act to halt his side’s worrying run of defeats, and will have been encouraged by the efforts of some of his fringe men who did play against the Seasiders last night.
Jeff Smith impressed with two goals and Gary Madine, Grant Smith and youngster Connor Tinnion were also on the scoresheet.
Luke Joyce, who captained the side, was also on strong form while Josh Gowling and Darren Campion also completed 90 minutes.
Coach Eric Kinder said it was the perfect response from the reserves after a poor display at Man City the previous week in which none of the second string had shown Ward they were worthy of first-team consideration.
“The last performance was unacceptable, and we got the response we wanted,” said Kinder.
“I was delighted with Jeff Smith, who got a bit of criticism from me last week and has come back in the right manner.
“Gary Madine gave an experienced centre-half (Zesh Rehman) problems all night, the pros like Luke, Josh, Grant and Darren Campion did everything you expect from them, and the youth team boys were excellent.”
United: Howarth, Blake, Campion, Gowling, Aldred, Joyce, G Smith, J Smith, Tinnion, Madine, Cook (Bowman 83). Goals: Madine (6), J Smith (21, 88), G Smith (35), Tinnion (80).
