Mike Williamson has apologised to his supporters as Carlisle United were roundly beaten away by AFC Wimbledon.
The Plough Lane side dispatched their visitors comfortably and never looked to be in any real danger throughout the contest. Matty Stevens bagged himself a hat-trick and an own-goal from Cameron Harper compounded the woes of the Cumbrians on their travels.
A first league win of the season for Morecambe and a second straight victory for Accrington Stanley now means United are rooted to the foot of League Two, level on points with Derek Adams’ men. The Blues have only won twice this season against rivals Barrow and on the road to Swindon Town five games ago and this latest loss to The Dons is their heaviest this season.
Speaking to the News and Star following the match, former MK Dons boss Williamson, who took charge at Brunton Park last month, apologised for the performance. He said: “It was a completely unacceptable performance and we’re going to do everything we can to change it. We apologise, take responsibility for it.
“The feeling that the boys have got right now, is rock bottom. And obviously that’s where we find ourselves in the league.
“But it’s not a time to feel sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to take full responsibility, and that’s what this group are doing. That’s what I will do, we as coaches.
“And that’s the only way we can turn this around and get back to work and make sure that we right the wrongs next week for those supporters.”
United dominated possession through the game and had the ball for 64% of the match, but it was never utilised, with only three shots registered and only Ben Barclay’s header forcing Owen Goodman into some action to make a routine stop. Reflecting on where it went wrong for his side, the former Newcastle United defender added: “It was the fact that we just looked very vulnerable.”
“We were reacting all over the pitch. We weren’t on the front foot. We weren’t anticipating. We didn’t have the confidence. Obviously, the position we are in shows that. And we were punished by a good team. But we were so far off that we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“When you come into every single football game, it doesn’t matter who you are or how good your players are, you’ve got to win the battle, you’ve got to earn the right before you can start playing any good football.
“That was where, from the first whistle, we didn’t show that, and that’s what was disappointing because we didn’t win enough first contacts. I thought their dark arts, their manipulation was far, far greater and we were vulnerable, we were naive and we accept that.”
Carlisle have been in a slump since their promotion via the play-offs two seasons ago and failed to adapt to life in League One, finishing 11 points behind 23rd-placed Port Vale. Despite big investment under Paul Simpson, including moves for Aaron Hayden and Charlie Wyke, the season started poorly and saw the former Bristol City coach removed from his post shortly after.
Williamson was chosen as his successor, himself in a tough period at MK Dons and lost in their opening game to Grimsby Town. Under their new boss, they have picked up one solitary point in a goalless draw against Colchester United.
They face Harrogate Town next weekend, who picked up a positive result against Newport County yesterday. Carlisle have never beaten The Sulphurites in league play, drawing twice and losing five times.
Writer’s View
Nobody expected Carlisle United to struggle this badly, so for them to lose that heavily is yet another shock. AFC Wimbledon are probably one of the best teams in League Two and had the benefit of an upbeat Plough Lane as they finally returned to action there following the flooding last month. The game was rarely a contest, with United registering just three shots in the game, none of which were on target. They need to improve, and quickly, before they get dragged into a relegation conversation.
Mike Williamson should be given the time to turn this around but the results since he has taken charge do make for grim reading. They have conceded 11 goals in five games and the only two they have scored came in their opening game against Grimsby. Harrogate Town are a bogey team for The Cumbrians and that game now is becoming a pivotal match to get their season back on track. They will come up against some teams also facing issues like Cheltenham Town and Morecambe in the upcoming fixtures, so getting a positive result ahead of that is imperative.
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