I can’t criticise players: Mike Williamson happy as Carlisle draw with Harrogate

Posted Sunday, October 20, 2024 by PA

Mike Williamson was pleased with his side’s progress as Carlisle ended a run of five consecutive home defeats across all competitions with a 1-1 draw against Harrogate at Brunton Park.

Luke Armstrong came back to haunt his former club as he scored his second of the season, a vital goal which handed the Blues a point that took them off the foot of the League Two table.

Williamson said: “I was disappointed that the scoreboard didn’t reflect the performance.

“I asked the lads for a reaction from last week (the 4-0 defeat at Wimbledon) and I was really pleased with the performance and the way we went about things.

“We’re growing, we’re still learning and when the lads put a performance like that in, I can’t criticise any of the players.”

It has been a tough spell for Carlisle but a goal for Armstrong, who has scored just five times for the Blues since joining from Harrogate in January, could be key to improvements in front of the net.

Williamson said: “I was pleased for Luke. He missed a couple of chances, but everyone knows what he’s like, he is relentless and his work rate is second to none. Then he kept on going and got his goal, so I was pleased.”

Carlisle now face a tough trip to third-placed Walsall on Tuesday, but Williamson is confident his side can put in a good performance.

“They’re a good team and they’re in form but we’ll put out our best side and we’ll go again on Tuesday,” he said.

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver was pleased with a gritty point away from home as the men from Yorkshire solidified their spot in mid-table.

“I’m satisfied with both the result and the performance,” said Weaver. We grew into the game and tried to make a little adjustment to our defensive shape as we were a bit deep for their goal.

“I thought it was a good response from our players and we moved a bit higher up and created some chances.

“I thought it was a good point on the road and we’re getting better and better and better in recent weeks, as we’re adding some consistency.”

Harrogate’s goal was scored by the impressive Matty Daly and Weaver was thrilled with the play leading up to it.

“It was a really good goal from our perspective,” he said.

“We broke up their attack well, intercepted it well and we got the ball in. It’s probably one of the best deliveries I’ve seen out wide from Matty Foulds and then it was a good finish by Matty (Daly).

“There was a bit of frustration losing the lead so soon, only five minutes after our goal, but I’m happy with the point on the road.”