After Carlisle United’s 2-0 victory away at Aldershot Town, we spoke to Mark Hughes.
Speaking after the game, Hughes discussed the team’s performance, a strong defensive display, the impact of a tactical tweak and the influence of key players in securing three points on the road.
Here is everything we learnt:
A very pleasing away performance
“We're really pleased. I thought we played exceptionally well tonight and came here up against a team that's been playing better of late - not an easy fixture for us, but the team equipped themselves really well.
“Once we got two goals to the good, we were able to manage the game out quite comfortably.
“It could have been more in that first-half as well. The keeper made a number of outstanding saves to keep them in the game at 0-0, but he wasn't able to keep the two headers out.”
Quality deliveries making the difference
“Great quality on the crossing from Cricky (Chris Conn-Clarke) and the lads got on the end of them.
“So all in all it was a really pleasing first-half for us and we deserved to go in with that lead.”
A stronger defensive edge
“There was never any danger that we were going to concede any goals tonight.
“I thought there was a real edge to our defensive play, more concentration, a better level of understanding and better execution of the fundamentals in terms of defending.
“It was about clearing your lines and getting your body in position to make clean clearances and that was really important in the second-half.”
Managing the second-half well
“They had a little spell where they were putting balls into the box but we defended very well.
“When they committed players forward we were always really dangerous on the break and we probably could have had more goals in the second-half.”
Doing the basics right
“We needed to do the right things at the right time and the goals came at good times for us.
“We were well worthy of that lead and deserved to be two goals to the good at half-time.”
Tactical tweak with the diamond
“We changed the shape a little bit today and I think it helped us.
“We needed to protect a number of the guys, the likes of David [Ajiboye] and Georgie [Kelly]. It was a quick turnaround for Georgie and he had a little bit of tightness in his calf, so we need to protect these guys because we’re going to need everybody.”
Getting the best out of Conn-Clarke
“We just thought the shape might help and we wanted to get Cricky more involved and give him a start.
“It’s important that we keep him up to speed. He’s missed out on game time of late but when he’s on the pitch you see the quality he has on the ball.
“He produced two outstanding balls for the goals and I thought his defensive work was good as well.”
Fresh legs making an impact
“When you’ve played late on Saturday night and had the long journey down here it’s important to manage things.
“That was part of the thinking behind the selection. I tried to freshen up the team tonight and I think it helped.
“The lads that came off the bench were really good as well and kept the energy high.”
Goals from key players
“Morgan [Feeney] is leading by example at the moment so we’re really pleased with the level he’s hit.
“And Harvey [Macadam] as well, he’s got a knack of scoring goals and getting in the right positions.
“When he plays in the diamond he’s a little bit further forward and that allowed him to arrive in the box and get on the end of a great ball.”
Rewarding the travelling fans
“Really surprising from my part. I didn’t expect that many to be here.
“It was a great effort from them to make that journey and thankfully we were able to give them a good performance and a good result.
“It would have been a lot harder going home if we hadn’t got maximum points.”
