Our first Fan Report of the new season comes from the London Branch, courtesy of Simon Clarkson:
This was it. The real thing. What we were all waiting for.
The trip to Walsall had been a must. You've got to go to the first game of the season haven't you? 1400 of the Blue Army agreed and headed there from all corners of the country.
From Surrey we headed through congestion charge free London collecting others on the way, and then up through a slow going M1.
Arriving at the sun basked King George V with enough time for a cold beer we mingled with Carlisle fans quickly renewing friendships. The new shirt seemed to be popular and I was one of the many hundred wearing mine with pride.
The Carlisle fans made a terrific noise throughout the whole game.
It was a shame we played our better stuff in the first half at the opposite end to our seats. We kept and passed the ball well in what for me was a 4-4-2.
Gall's movement caused havoc and was duly rewarded mid-way through the half when he lost his marker and lashed a volley past the keeper.
We were comfortable but then, just before half time, Murphy collapsed in a heap clutching his ankle. It must have been bad because he couldn't even hang on for half time. We knew we would struggle now with no recognised centre half cover, and so it proved to be almost straight from kick off in the second half as Mooney swivelled and drilled one in off the post.
In season's gone past we would have crumbled but, with the exception of a great double save from Westwood, the players despite wilting in the heat did enough to hang on for the point. The introduction of Joe Garner gave the Blue Army a boost but should he not be playing off the shoulder of defenders, niggling away? He picked up the only booking of the game.
We now have a decent squad.
No place on the bench for either Joyce or Lumsdon demonstrates this. We are short of height and physical presence with a centre back the top priority, in my opinion. All in all an ok start to the season.
It was very hot and some players are still lacking match sharpness. The Blue Army will keep the faith and turn out in huge numbers.
1 down and 45 to go, like a rollercoaster you get the feeling that the we have only just climbed aboard. Let's hope we've got the stomach for all the twists and turns to come,
Simon
To find out more about the CUSC, London Branch, click
HERE
