Carlisle United boss Mark Hughes insists his side aren’t finished in their hunt for survival after a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Newport County, and he spoke to the club’s official website.
The Cumbrians are eight points adrift of 22nd-placed Accrington Stanley but play Accy on Easter Monday.
Plenty Of Belief
Carlisle found themselves two goals down on the half-hour mark following two quick goals from Kieron Evans and Bobby Kamwa for the visitors.
Hughes’s side pulled one back almost immediately through Georgie Kelly, a moment that delighted the former Wales striker.
“It was a great goal from Georgie, he’s a good player. It was good football, a good finish and that was important for us because from that point onwards we knew that if we scored the next one then it’d be very difficult for them.”
“Maybe people have questioned us and said that we’re not committed or we’re not trying. Of course, we’re trying and we’ve been trying all season clearly but sometimes you just need a moment and a belief which I think we’ve got now. We believe we can still get out of this situation.”
Hughes Delighted With His Players
Georgie Kelly scored a brace in what was his first 90 minutes since April last season and Hughes had expected to have to replace the Irishman.
“Well, that’s his first 90 minutes for a long, long, long time. I was expecting that at some point he would have emptied his tanks and I would have had to take him off but then I was reminded he’s centre forward and he’s scored two goals and you don’t take that off.”
Jack Ellis also received praise from his manager after performing on both sides of the defence.
“He obviously had to change positions when we lost Archie but I thought he was excellent, rock solid, did his job, understood what was required and got it done.”
Huge Games Ahead
Carlisle now has five games left to save their Football League status, including that huge clash with Accrington over the Easter weekend. Next up is Morecambe who sits just two places above them.
“We can’t affect Tranmere but we can affect Accrington so we’ve just got to go there and beat them and see what else happens.”
“That’s all we can do, we’re not finished yet.”
Writer’s View
An eight-point gap with just 15 points available is a huge ask and Carlisle has to beat Morecambe and Accrington to have a chance.
It looks like time will run out for them in their survival bid as they left themselves with too much to do.
