Manager Keith Curle spoke more about Saturday’s away draw at Gillingham as both teams go into the hat for tonight’s Emirates FA Cup third round draw.
“We came away from the game on Saturday pleased because we were able to nullify a lot of what they’re about,” he said. “They do have excellent dynamics within their squad and, as we saw, they attack dangerously with good movement.
“They did have some good balls flashing into the box but overall I thought our discipline was very good. It was always going to be a game where there weren’t going to be too many chances and that’s why we went with a selection, and substitutions during the 90 minutes, to give us the best chance of catching them on the break.”
“Reggie [Lambe] had a big part to play in that, and the reason why Jamie Devitt isn’t in the team is because Reggie is playing well,” he explained. “Both players can fill that number 10 role and there’s no favouritism involved. If a player is doing a job well, he will be selected.
“Putting Jamie in there was an option, because it’s arguably his best position, but that comes down to players working hard to get the shirt. Both Jamie and Reggie are doing that, so it leaves me with an interesting problem each week.”
“The replay will be another tough game,” he added. “I think we’ve spoiled their Christmas function because word has filtered through that they had it planned for the Tuesday night, with a day off on the Wednesday.
“I’m sure they won’t be too happy about that. I don’t think they’ll enjoy coming up to Carlisle for a night game, but I know they’ll do things properly. We enjoy opportunities to play against teams from higher divisions and that’s the way we will approach that game.
“I thought we handled Saturday very well and that takes us into tonight’s draw. I’m not really too bothered about who comes out of the hat. Let’s not forget we have Gillingham to negotiate first.
“If you’re pushing me then obviously Manchester City away would be decent. I think I can match Pep in terms of clothing, but we’d probably be parking the bus in front of goal almost as soon as the first whistle blew!”
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