Last updated at 12:00, Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Manager Greg Abbott insists he’s had enough of Carlisle United’s shoddy defending – and will unveil a tactical change at Bury tonight.

Liam Noble

The Blues’ boss confessed he is ready to sacrifice some of his team’s attacking play if it leads to greater resolve at the back.

United’s goal difference plummeted to minus six after the weekend thrashing by Notts County. And though the Cumbrians are going for a fourth straight away win tonight against the rock-bottom Shakers (Gigg Lane, 7.45pm), Abbott says it is time to tighten up.

Abbott has “guaranteed” that he will make changes tonight with a host of players hoping to step up to the side.

Among those in line for a recall are Frank Simek, Liam Noble and Peter Murphy as the United boss eyes a big improvement from Saturday’s showing.

“We have to be less open than we are,” said the United manager. “We have tried to play the game in a certain style, but we are conceding too many goals.

“Obviously you can only play certain systems if you have certain players available, but we might have to look at the way we protect our goal.”

Abbott says he is in little doubt that his players will respond tonight after the weekend drubbing, which was followed by a dressing-down from the manager.

“If I need to give them a message before the game there is something wrong with the group,” he said. “And I generally think he group is alright.

“I’d like to think we’ll get a response from them.”

United are banking on their good away form continuing at Gigg Lane – they have won their last three games on the road 2-1 – but Abbott dismissed the fluctuating home and away fortunes as “a coincidence”.

He said: “You have to be brave and tough in every performance you take part in. Last season we had a big unbeaten run at home which only seems five minutes ago. Let’s not make excuses for anybody – for me or the players.

“On Saturday we dropped more than three points – we dropped the belief. We have to react quickly to get that back and get people back on side. Even I went home after the Notts County game with a lack of optimism. But the way we fight, scrap and regroup gives me hope for rectifying the situation.”

Bury are bottom of League One with just four points from 11 games – and the only side in the division yet to win a game.

First published at 11:38, Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk