A CONTROVERSIAL first-half goal was enough for Danny Wilson’s Sheffield United to consolidate their place in the League One play-off places, but both managers felt they could have had more from a very tight affair at Bramall Lane.
Following his side’s victory over Carlisle United, former Hartlepool boss Wilson said: “It was a very hard-earned win, so it was a fantastic three points from our point of view.
“We always knew it was going to be difficult because Carlisle are very well organised.
“We still created lots of chances and possibly the scoreline could have been more emphatic.
“At 1-0 there is always a chance they could get back in it.
“At the back end of the game, I thought we defended very well.
“We put terrific headers out and there was good counter-attacking football.”
For opposite number Greg Abbott, it was a feeling of disappointment following yet another battling display from his Cumbrian troops.
He admitted: “We were probably a little bit deflated we have not just nicked a point away from this.
“We felt the goal was an error from the referee in not giving a free-kick, and then an error from one of our players giving the ball away at the other end.
“Apart from that, we have given near enough as good as we got and I have nothing but pride for the players.
“On top of that, the fans were immense in terms of their belief in what we are trying to do and what we are trying to achieve.
“With a bit more quality we might be able to be a little bit better, but on the day we just found ourselves that little bit short.”
The Cumbrians failed to register a shot on target, but in terms of endeavour their ovation from the travelling fans at the full-time whistle was more than deserved.
Defender Matt Robson said. “We felt disappointed for the fans because they made a lot of noise and they came in numbers as usual.
“It was one of those days when the ball just would not drop.
“We have gone close twice, but that first-half goal has proved to be enough for them.”
Carlisle return to Brunton Park for the first time this month next weekend – and Abbott has already targeted the game against Colchester for another strong performance.
He added: “It feels like it has been forever since our last home game, and we need to make sure we do it properly next weekend.”
SHEFFIELD UNITED: Simonsen, Lowton, Maguire, Collins, Williams, Williamson (Flynn 52), Doyle, Montgomery, Quinn, Evans (Porter 82), Cresswell. Subs (not used): Long, Jean-Francois, McAllister. Booked: Collins, Williamson, Quinn. Goals: Evans 21.
CARLISLE: Collin, Ribeiro, Livesey (Murphy 46), Michalik, Robson, Noble, Thirlwell (Zoko 62), Berrett, Miller, Loy (Curran 76), McGovern. Subs (not used): Gillespie, Taiwo. Booked: Berrett.
Referee: Phil Gibbs (West Midlands) Attendance: 16,840
