Madine is Carlisle’s saviour says Kav
CARLISLE UNITED manager Graham Kavanagh believes Gary Madine’s know-how can give his goal-shy team the lift they need in the battle against the drop.
Winless in eight, Madine’s first-half finish was enough to hand the Cumbrians a vital three points against Swindon to edge them out of the relegation spaces on goal difference.
It was the 23-year-old striker’s first goal for the club since rejoining on loan from Sheffield Wednesday last week following his release from prison in March.
And while the game ended on a sour note with James Berrett picking up a second yellow, Kavanagh was quick to signal the impact of Madine, who netted 21 times in 85 matches for the club between 2007 and 2011.
“The win was a long time coming, that’s now three clean sheets on the bounce but more importantly we got a goal,” said Kavanagh.
“Goalscorers is what you need, the top clubs have the best players and generally make the difference and we haven’t done that consistently enough but if you do that, you get points on the board.
“Gary’s a good player for his level, there is no two ways about it. He gives us a platform, he knows what he is doing.
“He is someone who understands the club, loves the club, he just wants to do well for us.
“With the performance we have had over the last few weeks, Notts County game aside, we have probably not had the results we deserve.”
Carlisle came closest to opening the scoring on 27 minutes when Madine headed goalwards, but keeper Wes Foderingham was equal to it.
Madine was not to be denied however, seizing on Brad Potts’ right-wing cross just over ten minutes later before turning and firing past Foderingham.
Swindon improved after the break, with Alex Smith twice seeing efforts saved by Jordan Pickford while Alex Pritchard also tested the Cumbrians keeper.
Carlisle thought they should have been awarded a penalty when Jack Stephens appeared to handle, although it did not come back to haunt them despite Berrett’s stoppage-time red.
“We should have defended better for the goal,” said Swindon manager Mark Cooper, who saw his side lose ground on the play-offs.“It’s frustrating because we should have got something out of game.
“To create chances you need to get hold of the ball and put the ball in the net.
“In the second half we played well and were camped in their half.”