Greg Abbott On The Tipton Win

Last updated : 10 November 2010 By Thetashkentterror

Blues boss Greg Abbott
United boss Greg Abbott (GA) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) after Carlisle's 6-0 win at home to Tipton Town in the FA Cup, Abbott pleased to avoid a shock in the competition against one of the lowest ranked teams left in it :


JP

Happy with that?

GA

Yeah, of course we are, it is never easy against non-league opposition, there are always shocks and gladly we weren't one of them. We got out of the blocks really well and job done.





JP

There have been some other shocks today that have happened, of course FC United won at Rochdale last night, it wasn't a foregone conclusion this but a very professional display from your boys?

GA

Yeah, we have talked about this right from the outset, that we didn't want to be one of the teams that was talked about as a giant-killing act. A Saturday night or a Sunday after you have been beaten by non-league opposition is horrible.

So, we said that we needed to get out of the blocks right and get off to a great, good start and we got four goals in maybe the first 20 minutes or something like that. So, it was a fantastic start and probably the game was won from then and we could sit back and relax and enjoy it, which you don't get many opportunities like that being Carlisle's manager.





JP

Now that the game has finished, a touch of sympathy for the way the cup run has ended for the visitors today?

GA

No, because I think they have enjoyed their day. They have got here and this is their cup final, our cup final is drawing Manchester United away in the third round, and if we get beat five or six there on the night then there will be no sympathy for anybody, that is the game.

They have done great to get here, they have made a few quid out of it, they have enjoyed their day today, we have looked after them. So, we have done what we had to do and that is win a game, and there is not much sympathy thrown out in football I'm afraid.





JP

Two of your strikers very much in amongst the goals, four for Gary Madine and a couple for Francois Zoko, you must be happy with that?

GA

Well, we have got probably the leading scorer in the leagues haven't we, and Gary has had a tough week with his penalty misses. But, he has got his goals today and strikers thrive on goals. Francois has got a couple which is great for him and Gary has got his four, so a really, really pleasing afternoon to be honest.





JP

It looked like it was going to be a 0-0 second-half, which showed how much harder Tipton were working in that second spell, I bet you were delighted to get a goal in that half?

GA

Yeah, it was one of them were you thought they might come out and start the game like that. But, I think we came out of the blocks terrifically well and that shows a good attitude and application from our players.

In the second-half obviously we have won the game to an extent, and it is sometimes difficult without an edge to it to raise your game. But, I thought we played some great stuff and just couldn't find the finish at times, but it is a good performance and we are pleased with that.





JP

It gave you an opportunity as well to have a look at Ben Mckenna who came on on the right-hand side, how did you rate his display?

GA

Yeah, he has got a bit to go before he is ready I think for proper first-team action. But, he has had a taste of it now, he knows the tempo of what is required and it will have done him the world of good.





JP

Kevan Hurst as well getting a bit of action and a bit of pitch-time, which is what he has lacked since his injuries, how is he getting on?

GA

Yeah, OK, we have sort of used the substitutions for our own benefit rather than anybody else's. We wanted Craig (Curran) to get on and Craig to get his goal because we are going to need Craig and we are going to need the strikers. Kevan has not had any pitch-time I don't think hardly this season so he needed 20 to 25 minutes, and he has gone on and done OK for us.





JP

What did you make of the man (Thomas Cruise) you have got in from Arsenal in his first 90 minutes for you?

GA

I think you can see he needs games, he needs some proper football and he needs plenty of it. He is comfortable, really comfortable on the ball, he has got a lovely left foot and he has obviously been brought up in the passing game that Arsenal have.

He handles that brilliant but the test for him is when he gets under pressure on Tuesday (against Crewe) and then on Saturday against Southampton. But, it is certainly a good one for him to start and I thought he was very, very comfortable.





JP

James Chester back as well today and comfortable, a full 90 for him, happy with that?

GA

Yeah, James was brilliant, it was another good game for him to come into so it has been a good one for us today with the injuries we have had and the problems we have had. So, an excellent afternoon's work for us.





JP

Who would you take in the next round? Who would you want now? Another small team at home to try to set up that Manchester United draw?

GA

Yeah, Hendon Police or somebody, or Swindon Submarines, somebody that we don't need to dig too deep for.





JP

And just finally, any injuries coming out of the game? Any nicks or knocks?

GA

No, no, no, I think we are OK. We passed it well enough not to allow them to….. To be fair, their approach to the game was great for us because they didn't really try to kick us off the park, which is sometimes an option. But, we are alright and everyone is OK.