Curle says ‘I do’ to new-look Carlisle
NEW Carlisle boss Keith Curle was toasting future success, after his Carlisle side ground out their first victory of the season - on the day of his daughter’s wedding.
Curle had double cause for celebration, after David Amoo’s header put Rob Edwards’ Tranmere side to the sword in a scrappy contest.
“I’m actually doing a speech, so this result does make things a bit easier,” said Curle.
“The result will be getting a mention – that is a guarantee.
“It wasn’t pretty but it’s exactly the kind of performance we were looking to deliver.We have to develop a winning mentality.
“Me, Colin West and my staff know that we can prepare to win football matches, but the players are low on confidence.
“That second half at Mansfield last week and the result this week are building blocks – it has to be the start of the new Carlisle United.”
The home side looked the most likely to strike in what was a quiet start.
Carlisle were close to taking an early lead when Hayden White’s cross was met by Pat Brough, but his volley was spectacularly kept out by Owain Fon Williams.
Brough was denied again in the 20th minute, this time by the woodwork after lashing a shot agonisingly against the bar.
Tranmere’s best effort came after half an hour, when striker Elliott Richards ghosted past three defenders but Carlisle’s debutant keeper Dan Hanford was sharp off his line to block.
Tranmere’s Max Power found space on 55 minutes to unleash a vicious strike which Paul Thirlwell bravely deflected over.
With the game seemingly destined to finish goalless Danny Grainger’s corner was met by the head of winger David Amoo, who bulleted the ball past Fon Williams. Rovers should have drawn level straight away, when a deflected through ball fell into the path of George Donnelly.
However, the striker fluffed his lines, blazing over from just eight yards out.
It was their last chance, as Carlisle held on for a vital victory.
Afterwards Rovers boss Rob Edwards admitted his side are in serious trouble after a fifth successive game without a win.
“I saw an ‘Edwards Out’ banner in the crowd today, and I’m scratching my head with the players at the moment,” he said.
“You can see that confidence is wafer thin, and when we went 1-0 behind there was very little belief we could turn it.
“I’m so disappointed with our start but we have to try and take positives and build from this situation to climb back up the table.”