After Carlisle United’s 2-2 draw away at Morecambe FC, we spoke to Mark Hughes.
Speaking after the game, Hughes discussed the performance, missed chances, key moments in the match and the importance of staying clinical.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. Frustration despite strong performance
“We’re disappointed, obviously, not to win the game.
“We had any number of chances, especially in the second-half where I thought we were excellent.
“We created great chances, scored two great goals and could have had many more.”
2. Costly moment at the back
“With the goal we conceded in the second-half, they never really looked like creating anything.
“So we’ve created our own problems there, which is disappointing.
“But overall, I thought the performances from everybody were good.”
3. Need for greater clinical edge
“We just needed to be a little bit more clinical.
“I spoke to the lads about that before the game, and it’s about staying calm, picking your spot and not rushing chances.
“We were scratching our heads a little bit as to how we didn’t get three points.”
4. A strong response after going behind
“We had to work hard because we went behind to a goal against the run of play.
“But we responded really well and scored with our first chance of the second half.
“At that point, I felt there was only going to be one winner.”
5. Taking the lead but not killing the game
“David Ajiboye’s goal to put us ahead was fantastic.
“We just needed that extra goal to take the game away from them.
“They’ve got a bit lucky with the own goal, but overall it was a good performance.”
6. Concern over Alex Gilliead's injury
“It’s a little bit of a concern.
“He’s felt something in his knee, so we’ll have to assess that.
“He’s been really influential, so it wasn’t ideal to lose him early.”
7. Positive attacking contributions
“Two great goals, great reaction to being behind.
“Regan’s strike was excellent, and Dave (Ajiboye) did really well in the build-up.
“We just needed to see the game out from there.”
8. Goalkeeper distribution making a difference
“You’ve got to have that from your 'keeper.
“He’s in a great position to see opportunities and release players quickly.
“That’s something he works on every day, and we’re starting to see the benefits.”
9. Composure in key moments
“There is a danger you get a little bit anxious and snatch at chances.
“It’s about staying calm, getting a good connection and finishing properly.
“We had enough opportunities to win the game.”
10. Taking positives into the next game
“We’ve gained a point on teams around us, so we’ll take that.
“If we can get the job done at the weekend, that will put us in a really strong position.
“And again, brilliant support from our fans, we just wish we could have given them the win they deserved.”
