After Carlisle United progressed in the Isuzu FA Trophy with a 2-1 win at Harborough Town, we spoke to First-team Coach Frankie McAvoy.
Speaking to CUTV, he discussed getting the job done, squad rotation, strength in depth and looked ahead to a trip to Boreham Wood.
Here is everything we learnt.
A professional job on a difficult afternoon
“We knew coming into it that it was always going to be a tough game. The conditions, the surface, the opposition, it was never going to be straightforward.
"But the task was simple: come here, do the job, win the game and get back home so we could turn our attention to the next one."
Squad rotation and minutes put to good use
“It gave the manager a chance to rotate the squad, which was important.
"A few lads who haven’t played as many minutes as they would have liked got an opportunity, and with a bit of illness in the camp as well, it was good to manage that and still get what we needed from the game.”
Regan Linney back on the scoresheet
“It was great to see Regan (Linney) score again. The gaffer felt he just needed that wee goal to kick him back on.
"He’s been playing well without scoring, so to see him get one was really pleasing.”
A special moment for a young player
“And it was brilliant for young Sam (Murray) to get his first goal for the club. You could see what it meant to him.
"He’s a good kid, he works hard, and moments like that are important for their development.”
Comfortable spells, but a reminder of the threat
“For large parts, especially in the first half when we went 2-0 up, I thought we were comfortable.
"But at 2-0, you always know one goal changes things. They put us under pressure, got balls into the box, used their physicality, and made it difficult at times.”
Key moments handled well
“They had a penalty in the first half, and Harry (Lewis) makes a fantastic save. That’s a huge moment in the game.
"Credit to Big Jack Cudworth and Harry, they do a lot of work on that, and it showed.”
Strength in depth and togetherness
“I don’t like using the term fringe players; it’s a squad game.
" Every one of these lads trains hard every day, and when their chance comes, they’ve got to be ready. It was pleasing to see players come in, get minutes and contribute in a positive way.”
Job done, focus quickly shifts
“Overall, we’re delighted to be through to the next round. That was the aim before the game, and we’ve achieved it.
"Now it’s about recovering, preparing properly and getting ready for another tough test next week. We’ll go there looking to take our game with us and try to get the three points.”
