Archived News from November 2003
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SPORT FIRST REPORT
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Sport First, By Ross Brewster
Thanks to Carole for the transcription A CLUB record ninth successive League defeat left Carlisle manager Paul Simpson facing some hard truths about his struggling team. After promotion-chasers Mansfield had cruised to a comfortable win, Simpson admitted: “It's obvious the squad that has been left here is not up to the challenge.” Simpson, who recently took on the unenviable job of trying to resurrect the fortunes of the Football League's bottom club, said: “We need fresh faces - strong men with the will to win games.” Carlisle did show fighting spirit in a scoreless first-half, which was dominated by the visitors. But the way the home side collapsed after the break left the Carlisle boss in despair. Mansfield striker Junior Mendes, who once had a loan spell at Brunton Park, led the Carlisle defence a dance. Stags' manager Keith Curle said: “He is getting the just rewards for the effort and the professionalism he puts in.” Mansfield began at blistering pace and Mendes should have scored in the fourth minute, when he turned Corden's cross against the bar from two yards out. When on-loan defender Paul Arnison burst forward on a solo run, topped off with a 30-yard rocket shot, it seemed Carlisle had weathered the storm. But the Cumbrians found themselves in familiar territory once Corden put the visitors ahead after 54 minutes. Mendes was given space to conjure up a cross, which Colin Larkin hit against the bar. Corden controlled the rebound to crash the ball home. Mendes then claimed the second goal with a great individual run and shot after 63 minutes. After passing Arnison near the byline, he opened an angle to beat Glennon with an accurate finish into the bottom corner of the net. Kevin Henderson tried to ignite Carlisle's hopes with a diving header, which hit the bar before Craig Russell side footed an inviting chance over the top. |
Latest | November 2003