Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson has admitted that his side’s 3-1 win over Peterborough United on Friday afternoon was “really pleasing” despite being under the cosh for most of the afternoon.
Fans of the Cumbrians kicked off their Easter weekend with an injection of gaiety as Simpson’s men picked up a first victory in six league outings and just their third away win of the season, although it was arguably the most impressive.
Three Things We Learnt From Carlisle United’s Shock Victory Over Peterborough United – Opinion
Opponents Peterborough were seven points behind the final automatic promotion place with two games in hand on Derby County heading into this Good Friday fixture. Despite losing at home to league leaders Portsmouth a week prior, not many punters would have expected the result at the Weston Homes Stadium yesterday.
A Jon Mellish hattrick while being deployed as a centre-back came as an even greater shocker to the players and those watching on from the sidelines and the stands. The Carlisle United central defender had scored merely two goals all season prior to Friday’s fixture.
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Speaking in his post-match interview, manager Simpson was delighted with the three points and praised his players for weathering Peterborough’s storm [quotes via News & Star]:
“It certainly was more of what we want – and more of what we wanted all season,” he said.
“It was really pleasing. It was tough during the game, because we were under the cosh, especially towards the end, and we’re thinking, ‘Come on, just weather it and get through it’.
“But there were some really strong individual performances, which all led to a massive result.”
Writer’s View
While the win did little to improve the chances of Carlisle United surviving in League One this season, it may have convinced supporters that a relegation to League Two won’t be the end of the world and that Simpson is still the right man for the job.
It’s also the type of victory that Carlisle fans have been so desperately waiting for all season. With so little to get excited about this term, the Cumbrians can finally enjoy a weekend with three points in the bag for the first time in a while.
Deputy Head of Writing
