Pressley hails team effort after making winning start as Carlisle boss

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2019 by PA

Manager Steven Pressley had a simple message for his new Carlisle charges as they made it five straight home wins with a 2-0 success over Cheltenham.

Pressley, the former Coventry and Fleetwood boss, took over the Brunton Park job just 48 hours in advance of the game.

Second-half goals from Jamie Devitt and Hallam Hope secured the points and Pressley said: “I just told the players to keep on doing what they have been doing.

“We stayed compact and caught them with our speed in the final third. It was a tight encounter for the first 45 minutes but we got our chances to counter attack and the front three were excellent in the second half.

“Our defenders stood firm. They do the basics very well. Cheltenham are a good side, better than their league position shows.”

Pressley has been told he can bring in up to five players to supplement Carlisle’s stretched squad, and he pledged: “Nobody will be leaving, only players coming in.

“It’s important not to change the dynamic of the group. We don’t need to change much right now.”

Pressley said he expected a response from his team but added: “I can’t speak highly enough of the players. There was a setback last week, but we’re back on track now. It was a real team effort. The right time to recruit is when you are winning, but we need good characters, players who want to be here.”

Cheltenham manager Michael Duff admitted his side were their own worst enemies.

He said: “We’ve got to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. I have not said a lot to the players. They are not naive or stupid. They know they need to deliver and walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

“Carlisle took their chances, we didn’t take ours. We can’t give away goals like we did against good teams and we need to be tough in both boxes.

“We conceded two poor goals. The players need to recognise we need to deliver more edge.

“There are still a lot of points to play for. We created numerous chances, but we did not take them or work their keeper. We shot ourselves in the foot.

“They are the best form team in the league and yet there was nothing between the teams. The best teams take their chances when they get their moments.”