Carlisle United Football Club

“We lost the game but it’s actually the best we’ve played in this competition so far,” he said. “I thought we were outstanding in every area. 

“Morgan [Bacon] is obviously disappointed with the way we conceded their second goal but he doesn’t need to think about that. He’s been excellent in these three cup games and he made some unbelievable saves in this one.”

“It shows how strange football is because we won the first two rounds and we didn’t play anywhere near as well as we did in this game,” he commented. “I’m really pleased that the lads recovered from the opening 20 or minutes or so and then got the ball down to show us the ability levels they have.

“That’s the first time they’ve done that out on the main pitch and it’s just the way it goes that they didn’t get the reward for it. We deserved to win the game with the number of chances we created. However, it’s cup football and you just have to take it on the chin.”

“When we got the equaliser in normal time we did start to think it was going to be our night,” he admitted. “We had a great chance to score in the first few minutes of extra time as well, but we could look back at a few incidents like that. 

“They’re all ifs, buts and maybes and you just have to accept the way it goes and make sure you move on in a positive manner. The pleasing thing for the coaching staff is that we asked the lads to show up and show the public what they can do. I think they did that so they can feel proud of themselves.

“A lot of confidence should come out of that performance. They’ll hit a bit of a down because of the way they lost the game, but we knew before kick off that it was going to be close. Preston are a strong side and they were always going to be a test for us. There are no complaints from us even though we would obviously still like to be in the competition.”

“Even with the poor conditions the lads tried to play football, and that’s exactly what we demanded of them,” he said. “They showed great character and they competed all over the pitch. The midfielders all wanted to be on the ball and it was good to watch. With them doing that it allowed the full backs to get forward. 

“There are a few knocks and bumps coming out of it but I think it’s good for the group that they now have to prepare straight away for the game against Morecambe on Saturday. They have to switch on and treat it like it’s another big game.

“Hopefully they’ll carry on the good work and, if they do, they’ll give themselves a real chance to get something from it.”

Carlisle United - Bacon, Hurley, Pearson, Holt, Douglas, Robson, Salkeld (Egan 55), Quigley (Breen 21), Hall (Brown 60), Taylor, Bradbury. Subs Not Used - McCue, Williams.

Goal – Bradbury (80)