United striker Luke Armstrong scored on his return to the starting eleven on Sunday, despite United’s 4-1 defeat to Blackpool.
Luke spoke to CUTV following Carlisle’s exit from the Emirates FA Cup.
Here’s everything we learnt:
1. Importance of getting competitive minutes despite defeat
“We are disappointed. We wanted to try and get through to the next round, and especially for a few of us who haven’t played many minutes recently. It’s great to get some competitive minutes in, and we wanted to stay in [the competition].
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite do it [stay in the competition], but we showed real moments of quality on an attacking front, [but] we just couldn’t quite get that second or third goal to really take it to them [Blackpool].”
2. Disappointed dressing room
“We’re always disappointed when we lose a game, especially when beforehand we thought we had a good chance of getting through to the next round.
“Coming in 3-0 [down] at half-time, we were really disappointed with that. We wanted to stay in the game, and that third one [goal] probably just took it away from us.”
3. Quality opposition
“It’s as simple as a League One team showing their quality in front of goal [if they are] given the chance. That’s probably the difference in the levels. We had some really good play and so did they.
“They took their chances, and we didn’t quite do that, but also credit to their keeper with two unbelievable saves at key moments.”
4. Responsibility as a lone striker
“It was tough at times [being a lone striker]. They managed it well and it was quite hard to get on the ball at times. We had some real quality out wide from the lads and they provided some good crosses into the box. On another day, it could have been more.”
5. Winning all that matters
“You’re always pleased with a goal but obviously you want it to count towards a win. That’s a goal that we want to get [us] through to the next round.
“It’s nice to get a goal, but unfortunately, it didn’t really count for anything in the end.”
6. Positives to take from a spirited display
“We’ll review it [the game] and we’ll have a look at the positives.
“There were definitely positives in the way we played [and] the way we attacked. That final run or that final pass [are] things that we need to tighten up on, [as well as] little bits defensively. We’ll learn from it, we’ll watch it back and we’ll try and take the positives and learn from the negatives for Wednesday night.”
7. Game time was needed
“I needed it [game time]. I haven’t played too much recently, so it was nice to get through ninety minutes. When game time is limited, you want [to play in] these games.
“Unfortunately, there won’t be any more FA Cup games, but it was nice to be back out there in a competitive game and get ninety minutes.”
8. United belong in the Football League
“It’s massive for us [bouncing back on Wednesday night against Woking]. Obviously, the league is the priority.
“We want to get promotion. We want to get back in the Football League at this club, where it belongs. We’ve got to win, that’s the way the league is. Everyone’s winning at the minute, so we’ve got to try and get that top spot.
“We’re looking to learn and try and get the three points on Wednesday.”
9. Electric atmosphere from the Blues faithful
“There was a lot of buzz around the game beforehand, and the atmosphere was brilliant from them [Carlisle fans]. They kept going [and] they kept behind us all the way. Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite get over the line for them, but credit to them.”
