GERRARD: WE MUST TIGHTEN UP NOW AT BACK
ANTHONY Gerrard has warned Carlisle must stop conceding sloppy goals if they are to mount a serious promotion push this season.
The 32-year-old defender is part of a Carlisle side which has made an inconsistent start to the campaign, losing five of their opening 11 matches and conceding 12 in the process.
Recent home defeats to Grimsby and Stevenage have hurt Gerrard but the centre-back believes if Carlisle can become consistent then a promotion push will come.
He said: “If it doesn’t hurt when you lose then you’re in the wrong environment, because you want to get the most out of each and every game and from every opportunity you get to pull on the shirt.
“I don’t know how many more years I’ve got to play, so I have to embrace it and take every opportunity that comes.
“As a defender, your job is to keep a clean sheet. We’re conceding some really sloppy, naïve goals.
“I can take conceding a wonder goal or a goal after the other team has cut you open with some good play, but it’s frustrating when we’re being beaten by basic Sunday league-style goals.
“There are highs and lows in this league, it’s just how it is at this level. You need to try to be on an even keel through the majority of the season, and that’s by having consistency in performances, discipline and everything about your game.
“If you keep that you’ll win 80 per cent of your games. I’ve played in leagues where you can lose two games and be out of it but, as it stands, we’re still in a good place.
“Ultimately that’s what gets you promoted. We haven’t got that consistency at the moment, but once we get that, as well as the injured players back, I think we’ll mount a strong challenge.”