Following Carlisle United’s 2–1 victory away to Eastleigh, we spoke to Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV, Hughes discussed the tactical challenge, the goals, key individual performances, the impact of squad rotation and the significance of getting back to winning ways.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. Back to winning ways
“I thought we did really well today. I thought it was a challenge for us because we knew how they want to play, a new manager as well, obviously very direct, looking to hit long balls.
"It was difficult to get the ball down and play our normal game, but you have to earn the right to play, and I thought we did that. Eventually, our quality came through, and we were able to take the game away from them, so yeah, really pleased.”
2. The response he wanted
“You want to bounce back; we've done it again, so it's really important to do that.
"We didn't want back-to-back defeats, so it was important to get back to winning ways, and we've been able to do that.”
3. Patience and control
“We had to be patient. Once we got one, we always felt we were going to be able to take the game away from them, and they had to press a little bit, so we picked them off for the second goal.
"Two-nil should have been done and dusted. Apart from one moment, they created very little.”
4. Clinical opener
“Good movement, good effort on the right wing initially, good ball across and once the first went in, we always felt we were going to be able to take the game away from them.”
5. Regan Linney's return
“I thought he (Regan Linney) looked more like his old self.
"He was getting shots off, taking people on, and all that was missing today really was that goal. He’ll be pleased with the performance.”
6. Importance of Regan Linney late in the season
“When Regan's flying, we all know the quality that he has, so it's only a matter of time before he gets back on the scoresheet.”
7. Stephen Wearne’s impact
“Wearney (Stephen Wearne) once again was excellent today.
"He's been really good since I brought him back into the side, pushing for man of the match in most games. He took the goal really well, took it early and yeah, great goal.”
8. Energy and quality in the ten
“He (Stephen Wearne) brings energy, and he's a goal threat as well. He’s scored a lot of goals at previous clubs, and now he's starting to do the same for us.”
9. Hayden Atkinson's full league debut
“He (Hayden Atkinson) wasn’t there just to give him a game. He's been pushing in training sessions, and his performances at youth team level have been really strong.
"I’ve watched him closely for a long time and felt this was the right game under the right circumstances to bring him in.”
10. Defensive solidity and bravery
“They’re chucking it into the box and hoping something falls, so you've got to stand up to them, be brave and keep them out.”
