Birthday boy Paul Thirlwell celebrated in style as he captained Carlisle United to the club's biggest victory this season.

The United midfielder, celebrating his 31st birthday on Saturday, played a key role as United stormed to an emphatic 5-0 victory over the MK Dons.

He said: "We probably didn't start the best in the first fifteen minutes. They sort of came at us a bit with a few long balls up to the big man which we found difficult. But we got to grips with that and we got our first goal and it turned out to be a good day all round.

"The pitch doesn't lead to too much free flowing football and they had some big lads in there. We had to just deal with their physical presence and play what football we could in their half. We managed to do that and get some goals as well, which is good."

And there was no hangover from Tuesday night's penalty shoot-out victory over Leeds United as the attacking football flowed all over the park.

"We are happy because Tuesday was a big night for the club, and it went well. But, obviously, this is our bread and butter. We still need to get a few more points so that we are in a comfortable position come the big day at Wembley."

United entertain Huddersfield Town for the second time in the space of ten days on Tuesday night as they look to go one better and beat the play-off hopefuls here at home.

He said: "We were very close to winning the game last weekend but I'm sure that it will be another good game.

"If we can produce a similar performance to what we have done today then we should get a good result."

Interview by guest reporter Andrew Maddison.