Kavanagh curses his luck after Gills loss
GRAHAM Kavanagh was left bemoaning Carlisle’s misfortune after defeat against Gillingham left them a single point and place above the relegation zone.
The hosts dominated for large periods but were condemned to their fifth defeat in six by Joe Pigott’s first ever league goal and Cody McDonald’s 13th of the season.
Leon Legge’s own-goal proved to be a consolation as the Gills moved up one place to 11th but the Cumbrians’ boss was adamant it could have been very different.
“The result is very cruel on us because we’ve had all of the possession, all of the chances,” he said.
“When you hit the woodwork twice, then get hit on the counter attack like that, you just get a feeling it’s going to be one of those days.
“It is a very young group we have here and we are learning as a playing group and as staff.
“We bounce off the youngsters’ energy and honesty but in certain areas they don’t quite have the know-how of the older heads and it’s costing us.
“Courtney (MeppenWalter) held his hands up for both goals and fair play to him.
“He’s at a tender age and will make mistakes but he is an immense talent.”
After Lee Miller and Brad Potts went close for Carlisle, it was the visitors took the lead when McDonald found Pigott, who finished low past Jordan Pickford from inside the box.
Carlisle had most of the ball but after McDonald had a penalty appeal turned down, he dispossessed Meppen-Walker and sealed the game with a neat lob.
They did pull a goal back when Legge diverted Matty Robson’s cross into his own net but the Kent side held on to leave Peter Taylor in awe of his star striker.
“Cody (McDonald) was absolutely terrific, having a player like him makes all the difference to our side,” he said.
“He is very sharp over ten yards and he doesn’t give his centre back a minute’s peace, and that forces errors like with his finish today.
“We had a great chat on Friday lunchtime as a group about the importance of going away from home and getting wins when the opportunity is there – and this was the perfect opportunity.
“Everyone from front to back gave a solid, efficient performance.
“And that was a reward for our terrific fans who made the journey here to see us.
“We won’t be taking our foot off the gas until we are guaranteed League One survival, because the league is so tight at the moment, we’ll keep going.”