This week's cold snap is expected to end over the weekend but the thaw will come too late to save the match which could have seen the Cumbrians win back-to-back games for the first time since early November. But there was good news for Roddy Collins with the signing on loan for a further two months of midfielder Mark Hudson from Middlesbrough. Hudson has impressed during his initial five-week stay, grabbing the second goal against Darlington on Boxing Day in the 2-2 draw at Brunton Park. With winger Jon McCarthy also agreeing a new one-month contract, Collins will be hoping to build some continuity into his squad, which has undergone wholesale changes in a turbulent first half to the season. The outspoken Irishman said this week that he was happy with the present make-up of his squad and it seems there will be no further additions for the time being. 18-year-old midfield star Adam Rundle was man of the match in the 1-0 win over Southend, prompting Collins to say he himself would pay the admission money to see Rundle in action. Darlington helped nurture the promising youngster but failed to persuade him to sign a new contract after interest from several Premiership clubs including Manchester United and Fulham, who actually tabled an offer of £500,000. That move fell through but Carlisle pounced with a £40,000 transfer fee and signed Rundle on a three-year deal. Collins will be hoping to make the emerging talent one of the key players in his new-look side. Carlisle go into their enforced break lying in 21st place in the table with 23 points from 26 games. Despite the good win over Southend, they are still four points worse off than at the same stage last season and to keep their place in the Football League they may need as many as 50 points. Collins took his players away to Dublin for a four-day break this week to help them recharge their batteries after a heavy six-game programme during the previous two weeks. Last season Collins also took his players to the Irish capital for a "team bonding" exercise. The next game is at Exeter City next Saturday (3 pm kick off). The Blues are also in action the following Tuesday night in the area semi-final of the LDV Vans Trophy at home to Bury (7.45pm). If they win they go through to the two-legged Northern Final against either Crewe Alexandra or recent FA Cup giant-killers Shrewsbury Town. Picture from News & Star |
