CARLISLE’S New Year match-winner Jon-Paul McGovern has hailed the team spirit which has propelled the Brunton Park side to the fringes of the League One promotion race.
McGovern was on target against Sheffield United earlier this week as his second-half strike – in addition to Francois Zoko’s brace – helped Carlisle edge out a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sheffield United.
A slow start to the season suggested that Carlisle would at best have to look forward to a re-run of last season’s mid-table finish.
However, Greg Abbott’s men have generated a head of steam to go on a run and bring them to the brink of promotion contention.
The never-say-die attitude was typified in the way Carlisle kept on battling to win against Sheffield United despite the dogged resistance put up by the Blades.
McGovern said: “Sheffield United was an end-to-end game and I’m sure they are feeling a little bit aggrieved at not getting anything after hitting the post three times.
“However, we have got three goals at home and hopefully gave the crowd plenty to cheer about.
“I think the good run we’re on is down to team spirit. A few months ago there were a few new players who needed to get used to the squad, but the manager has worked really hard at that.
“We have some club houses which we stay in, and that has brought us together as well, and I think it shows in the way we are playing.
“We’re a good footballing side and we try and do the right things, and we’re not kick-and-rush in any way. We’re getting results by doing that and I think we deserve the praise we’re getting at the moment.
“Sheffield (United) played some good football as well, but I thought we picked off our passes when we had it and we looked a decent side.”
Meanwhile, McGovern (pictured below) has revealed he is helping injured team-mate Rory Loy, who is currently out with a broken leg.
He added: “He’s been in my house the last few days over New Year, keeping his spirits up.
“His mum and dad and everybody have been around him, my family have been around him. He needs to try to get back as soon as possible for us.”
