United boss Greg Abbott (GA) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) following Carlisle's 2-2 League One draw at home to Brentford, Abbott saying the Blues gave an unbelievable shift :
JP
You must be very disappointed not to have got the three points but you must be delighted with the effort of the team?
GA
You need to take everything into context, but the dressing room is on its knees so the disappointment is in the dressing room. They have given an unbelievable shift, they have worked their socks off against a really, really good side let me tell you in what we thought was a fantastic game of football, and if we win this game 2-1 we are absolutely ecstatic going and really enjoying our week.
The disappointment will be we haven't got three points, we have only got the one, looking at the overall game I thought we maybe just shaded it, they might say they did but it was very, very close. A terrific League One game of football, two sides I think playing near their best and we are so proud of the effort and determination that we are getting out of the boys. We will be OK if we play like that week in and week out.
JP
I suppose both sides will say that both the goals they conceded could have been avoided, but there were also good elements about them as well?
GA
All goals can be conceded, and whatever goal there is there is a mistake somewhere, there is something that could have stopped it. But, it is just both teams never took their foot off the pedal, both teams really wanted to go for the result, even after they scored their equaliser we nearly get another one. So, I just think it is a credit to 22 players out there that have gone and given a really, really good afternoon of football for everybody to watch.
We know where we are with the numbers of the crowd but if we are going to get them back, that type of football, that has got to spread around the town of the type of game we have just seen today, and for once let's say well done to the players. Absolutely well done to the players, even though we are so frustrated and disappointed we haven't got the victory.
JP
We said in commentarty, even when Carlisle were 1-0 down that you are missing out if you haven't made it to this one today, if you keep delivering that level of quality, I mean you heard the fans' reactions to so many incidents in the game today, I imagine that they really will start to come back in earnest?
GA
Well, that is what we need and we need to spread some positive messages, I think a lot of people that don't come are spreading the negative vibes, the ones that are coming need to tell them to go down and see for themselves. Because, it is not all that bad and we are sitting here two points off the top six against a side that had five subs that would walk into anybody else's first team because of the level of finances they have got available. That is where I as a manager and with my backroom staff share a frustration that we just need a little bit more so we can go in there and compete right at the highest level. The subs they are bringing on are phenomenal talents, and costing a hell of a lot of money.
JP
Liam Noble, more in the first half but almost as much in the second half was absolutely fantastic, is that the best you think we have seen him play since he has returned?
GA
Yeah, if he had scored his goal with one of his chances as well I think we would have just got the perfect midfield performance. But, I think Liam to be fair has been getting better over the last few weeks, he really is disappointed when he is not playing and today I think he is coming back to something like he was last year. Because, he has got better in the last few games and today I thought he was all over the place, terrific battle in the middle of the pitch to be fair.
JP
A similar pattern in a way to Ben Marshall last season in that he came back to Carlisle United, didn't quite hit the ground running but then rose up to something incredible that got him his move to Sheffield Wednesday if you like this year, Liam Noble if he continues to progress could be a real force for you that you didn't have a few games ago?
GA
Yeah, well that is what we need don't we, we need that area to have good players and today we have been competing in there, we have played against some really high, physical energy players and they have done us proud in there. The three of them are 21, I think none of them are over 21 which is fantastic for the club and that is where we are as a club. But, we are dragging the best out of them and we are so proud and pleased with their performance and they will only get better, which is good for the club.
JP
And this as well, I think it is your last four results, just beaten once in your last five results infact, just beaten once now, so a bit of consistency and solidarity in there for you?
GA
The dressing room, the dressing room is really good, I think this 4,000 that we have got with us at the minute, and we know we would like a few more with us as well, and we are so pleased for them because at last I want to be a club that is united. That means everybody, that means from John (Nixon), the chairman (Andrew Jenkins), Steve (Pattison), right down to the fans that come in through the paying gates. Today we were a club united and we will be alright if we are like that, there will be absolutely no problem.
JP
By his high standards, Adam Collin seemed to struggle a little bit with the crosses into the penalty area, the corners in particular today, anything that he just needs to work on a little bit with that?
GA
Yeah, coming off his line and catching a few would be a bonus. No, listen, you could see us screaming at him, we put a lot of pressure on Adam because he is such a big presence and he has been such a powerful player for us. We think he has got to come for some and just help us out a little bit. But, to be fair the crosses going in were phenomenal, (Myles) Weston was whipping in balls with unbelievable pace and the corners were coming in at such a ferocity, they are very, very difficult to defend against and we have to be slightly sympathetic with him, but we want him to come and help us out at times.
JP
In terms of the next couple of games then, still a while before we get a midweek game and now a while before we get one back at Brunton Park, a couple of tricky trips coming up for you now?
GA
Yeah, well on the road nothing is easy and we just have to go and take those challenges on and get our points and pick them up and keep the season going and keep the ball rolling in the right direction. With effort and determination like that we think we are going to be OK, and it is a tough old league out there.
JP
And Yeovil a very tough place to go to next weekend, a very long trip, one of the longer ones of the season there?
GA
Yeah, well that gives me a lot to be bright about over the weekend to look forward to that next week, thanks for that, but we will manage that.
JP
How is Paul Thirlwell coming on with his injury? is he a hope for next weekend?
GA
I would hope so yeah, I mean straight after the game I have no idea where he is in terms of next week but we will have a look at him on Monday and see where he is with that and hopefully get him back involved.
JP
And good news to have Lubo Michalik back in and around the team, although I don't think your centre-haves really let you down today?
GA
No, I don't think they did at all, but they again are good problems to have and we need them, we were a bit thin today with the numbers, but let's get them back and see where we are.