Following Carlisle United’s 2-0 win over FC Halifax Town at Brunton Park, we spoke to goalscorer Junior Luamba.
Speaking to CUTV, he discussed his match-winning brace, the freedom to perform and going top of the Enterprise National League.
Here is everything we learnt:
High Morale
“I’m ecstatic, the boys worked hard. Coming off the win against Reading, the morale around the squad was already high, and I’m just glad that we got the result to send us top of the league.”
“I think I did alright. I’m just glad I got my two goals, but more importantly, we got the result for the team. Top of the league, I’m buzzing with that.”
Getting off the mark
“To be fair, we all know what Regan (Linney) can do. I just tried to give him another option because when he gets the ball down that left side, you’re usually expecting a shot and a goal.
“But today I was just happy he passed me the ball, and I tried to get my shot off as quick as possible. I’m just happy I hit the target and got my goal.”
Relief and reward
“I was over the moon. It’s been quite frustrating the past few games trying to get that first goal, but I’m just happy I managed to do that tonight.
“You try not to think about it, but as an attacking player, you always want to be in and amongst the goals and assists. It was frustrating, but I’m just happy I managed to score today.”
Reacting quickest for the second
“Morgan (Feeney) just headed it down, and it came at me quickly. I just reacted quickest, and I’m happy I got the second goal.”
Freedom
“100 per cent, I think that comes from the coaching staff and the gaffer. Even before the game, Frankie (McAvoy) came to me in the warm-up and said he felt like I was going to score tonight.
“When I celebrated, I gave him a glance and a smile because he instilled that belief in me. As a young player in this squad, that means a lot.”
Putting in a shift defensively
“It’s massive. As an attacking player, you want to be exciting going forward, but I also pride myself on the defensive side of the game.
“It gives the backline reassurance that if I lose the ball, I’ll work to win it back.
“Every time I step on the pitch, the boys know I’m going to work hard for the team.”
Almost the complete performance
“I think that’s just what was missing tonight. I felt confident, and once you get your first and second, that confidence builds. I was unlucky not to get my hat-trick, but nevertheless, I’m happy with the result.”
Settled and at home
“I’ve enjoyed it since I came in, from the first day, everyone at the club has really helped me out, players, staff, the manager. We’ve got a tight-knit group, and I think that’s why we’re doing so well this season.
“Since I’ve come in, I’ve settled quickly, and hopefully we just keep building on this.”
Togetherness
“Everyone knows the qualities we have as a team, and we’ve shown that this season with some big results.
“We’re in a good space right now, there’s a great vibe around the place, so I can’t see why we can’t kick on.”
Back from injury and flourishing
“It was a tough period; no player wants to be injured, especially with head injuries. You’ve got to be careful. The club were brilliant with me, Sophie (Birnie), Greg (Stebbings), and Adam (Kwiecien), they really helped me get back to playing.
“I feel sharp, my fitness levels are good, and that’s all a testament to them.”
Looking ahead to Southend United
“It’s going to be another tough game; we’re going into their patch, so we’re not expecting it to be easy. We’ll have to graft for it.
“The boys are in good spirits, and with the way we’ve been playing, I can’t see why we can’t go there and do the job.”
Focus and preparation
“We’ll enjoy tonight and enjoy the result, but over the next few days, we’ll really focus on the task ahead. Southend won’t be an easy game, and we’ll have to be at our best to get the win.”
Top of the league and full of belief
“Going into the game, the gaffer mentioned it, with the Rochdale game postponed, we knew there was a chance to go top.
“It was in the back of our minds, but the belief was there from everyone. With the quality we have in this squad, we were confident we’d get something out of the game.”
Watch the full interview on CUTV HERE!
