Unlucky thirteen for Carlisle United
Last updated 12:29, Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Thirteen is certainly proving to be unlucky for Carlisle United.
That’s the number of points that The Blues have been stuck on since they edged past Southend at Brunton Park on September 6.
It seems like an age ago - six successive defeats in league and cup since then, which no one could have predicted and the present mood engulfing United supporters is in stark contrast to what it was following that excellent victory.
Early season optimism has disintegrated as the team have endured a miserable slide down the table and talk of promotion has vanished completely. Indeed, many fans are looking nervously over their shoulder at the teams beneath us in the table, rather than focusing on closing the gap on the leading pack.
Worryingly, beleaguered boss John Ward looked like a crest fallen figure in the dugout towards the end of the MK Dons game.
Although we fell at our first hurdle in The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the visit to Rochdale did provide a few bright spots - Michael Bridges’ first goal back in United colours, a string of excellent saves by Ben Williams and a marvellous cameo performance from Gary Madine, who I am hoping we will be seeing much more of sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, the defensive frailties and individual mistakes which have been plaguing United all season were evident once again, just as they were at Stadium:MK.
Scouting for one of United’s forthcoming opponents must be an absolute doddle at the moment.
Their shortcomings are all too visible and thanks to Sky, they are now being highlighted around the country just in case others weren’t aware.
I have found some of the Manager’s recent team selections and tactics totally baffling, however he is clearly trying his best to remedy the situation.
He has accepted responsibility for the side’s current plight. The players should collectively do the same and be working hard to kick start their faltering season.
After a promising opening half-hour where inspired signing Graham Kavanagh bossed and added some much needed steel to the midfield, it all went pear shaped versus Milton Keynes Dons - the disturbing thing was the alarming and awful sense of deja vu. There is no further need to go into the whys and wherefores.
At this difficult time, we should remember that our club is lucky to still be blessed with a squad where talent and ability is in great abundance - form is temporary, class is permanent so the old adage goes.
No true Carlisle United supporter wants to see John Ward fail. He is a much better manager than many are currently giving him credit for - after all, he wouldn’t still be in the game after all this time if he hadn’t been successful.
He must now draw on those many years of experience if he is to lift a side in freefall out of its slump and overcome the biggest crisis he has faced during his year-long tenure at the Brunton Park helm.
CHRIS AYRES
Chris Ayers’ column is in no way representative of the views of the management of the Beehive.
