The first match of the post-Roddy Collins era saw Paul Simpson taking temporary charge of the side. He decided not to play himself, but drafted in Adam Rundle into midfield with Will McDonagh starting a league game for the first time this season. Lee Andrews was paired alongside Darren Kelly at the heart of defence. Paul Raven missed out through injury. United started with some pleasing football, Brian Shelley getting forward down the right with Rundle an early menace down the left channel. It was Rundle who crossed for the elusive Richie Foran who flicked a header goalwards but U's keeper Shaun Marshall got down to save. Carlisle were looking solid at the back with Andrews particularly impressive. Matty Glennon commanded his box, catching everything that came his way. Foran had another chance but shot badly over when he was well positioned just outside the box. The best chance of the opening half fell to Craig Farrell who had a clear opening 12 yards out when a strong Mark Venus back-pass was miscontrolled by Marshall but managed to spoon his shot into the Waterworks End. Then Will McDonagh had a pop from 25 yards out but the ball was straight at Marshall. Cambridge did go close when Dave Kitson headed horribly wide of the target when he should have made Glennon get down to work. Near the interval Dan Chillingworth should have put them ahead but screwed wide with a wild volley when he appeared to be a yard offside. Simpson would have been pleased with the opening half and the second began with an early headed chance for Darren Kelly, but again the ball was collected by Marshall. Carlisle looked compact and effective and their next attack brought their best effort of the afternoon, midfielder Mark Summerbell breaking to the edge of the box before letting fly and bringing a fine diving push away from Marshall. Simpson brought on Brian Wake for Farrell. The tall striker had a chance to break clear down the left but was closed down inside the penalty area as both teams defended with composure. Des Byrne entered the fray for his first appearance of the season in place of McDonagh. McGill came on for Rundle. United kept at it and looked the stronger side in the closing stages, having two shouts for penalties turned down by unpopular referee Mr Leake. Chris Billy's shot appeared to strike the arm of defender Andrew Duncan and from the follow-up corner, a Peter Murphy shot looked to have also hit a defender's hand. Al's verdict: Much better, especially from a defensive viewpoint. We created better chances and looked much more up for it than last week. Although Foran was named Man of the Match, I thought Andrews was outstanding, giving a near-faultless display alongside the much-criticised Kelly who also looked better. Farrell's miss rather spoiled the day for him and I also thought Billy again was a little one-paced, although he delivered some good passes. Rundle too was eager to please and looked dangerous before running out of steam. A promising start for Simpson who has staked an early claim to the vacant manager's berth. |
