That result brought a halt to the worst run the club have suffered since Roddy Collins took over as manager at the start of last season, but there is still a long way to go before United can get back on track for the promotion place that both Collins and owner John Courtenay still believe can be secured this season. Above all else, the Cumbrians still have injury worries. Lee Maddison and Ryan Baldacchino are still out and there are niggles for Richie Foran, Brendan McGill, Will McDonagh, Peter Murphy and Stuart Whitehead. Former skipper Whitehead sat out last week's victory amid talk of a transfer to Darlington. Darlo are very interested in acquiring his services but are unlikely to land Foran who they want to swap for teenager Adam Rundle. With Rundle having played just seven games for Darlo, a deal looks highly unlikely. The North East club rate Rundle highly and recently turned down a reported £500,000 offer from Fulham. Meanwhile it is reported that young defender Michael Taylor has joined United on loan from Blackburn. Hat-trick hero Brian Wake is one player who is a definite starter down at Dean Court and he will be looking to his four-goal tally that has made him one of Carlisle's few early-season success stories. Wake in his first season of senior football following his move from non-league Tow Law Town last term. Clearly he knows where the back of the net is which is a relief for Collins and his mis-firing squad. The Boston match saw them DOUBLE their league scoring tally for the season in just 45 breathtaking minutes. The bad news is that Bournemouth, relegated last season, are in good form after a poor start. They have taken 11 points from their last six games and have lost just twice so far in total. Manager Sean O'Driscoll, like Roddy a native of Ireland, has shaped a useful looking squad that appears to have a fighting chance now of getting straight back up at the first attempt. However there have been off-field problems financially and players may even be asked to take a pay-cut.
"I know Carlisle have a few Irish lads and they will know what he wants and expects. He also likes the physical side of things and I think it could be quite physical. When we were at Bohemains we were the hardest working side in the league and he made sure we were physically fitter and stronger than anyone else." Words that must have Collins producing a rueful smile this week as he surveys a squad hit by injuries which in some part must be down to the lack of preparation before the start of the campaign. Victory over an improving side who are capable of promotion would be a big boost but on this occasion I predict a narrow defeat as United attempt to re-build confidence. Bournemouth 2-1 UNITED. Picture from News & Star |
