The Exeter match at home last Saturday really was a game of two halves. We were slow out of the traps. Adam Collin kept us in the game.

We went a goal down and it could have been over in the first half-hour if it wasn’t for him.

Collin seems to be becoming more reliable with handling crosses. He’s more consistent.

One point-blank save from Jonathan Forte: If it had been in the Premier League, they’d have been showing it for days.

It took about half-an-hour for Carlisle to get a grip on the game. After that, it was much better. The passion of Steven Pressley on the touchline seemed to transfer to the field.

Jamie Devitt’s free-kick for the equaliser - that typified what he’s been doing since November. He’s been getting better by the game. In the end, a draw was a fair result.

We saw glimpses of what the new lads can do. It takes time when you come to a new club.

It also takes time for the rest of the team to get used to them. They’re used to playing with the lads who had been on loan and have gone back.

When I played, most players were signed in the close season. You got your squad together. There would be the odd player added but you wouldn’t be bringing in fours or fives. It’s more or less half a team.

It can make it harder for fans to identify with teams when you’ve got such a big turnover of players. It comes down to who’s got the best loan system. It’s not only Carlisle, it’s just the way the game’s gone.

The 2-1 defeat at Crewe on Tuesday night was a disappointing result, especially after having equalised from a goal down after Devitt was sent off. It was hard to tell if there was intent from him or if he was going for the ball.

I was never sent off. I wasn’t an angel - the game was just different then. Referees used more common sense. They used to talk to us more. “You’re in the book - calm it.” They were more approachable.

To me, they’re brainwashed with a book of rules now. Sendings off happen a lot more than in my day. If you were down to 10 men, it was a shock.

If I’d been playing now I probably would have been sent off, not for straight reds but for yellow-card fouls. The game has changed that way. It’s just like life. So be it - go with the flow.

When Devitt’s banned, Pressley will be looking for someone to step up. Devitt’s been the shining star.

After having a great run, one point from the last two matches might be down to pressure. But it’s not just us. Every team in the top 10 will be dropping points unexpectedly.

Carlisle will be looking to get back some momentum against MK Dons tomorrow, with a big crowd thanks to the "8k for MK" campaign.

Hopefully, we’ll put a good show on, go from the start and not take a while to get going, and get the right result.

MK Dons had a good win on Tuesday night against Newport.

Not so long ago, it looked like they were opening up a gap at the top with Lincoln. Now, they’re back in the group.

Early in the season, our home form was a disaster. It doesn’t really take a lot to get things going again.

The gap behind us has closed in the last two games. Tomorrow is a chance to get a cushion again.