PAUL Simpson has given his verdict on Carlisle United's season so-far as the 2022/23 campaign's halfway point approaches. 

After last weekend's 1-1 draw against Matt Gray's Sutton United at Brunton Park, The Blues sit fifth in the League Two table, two points ahead of the chasing play-off pack.

The Blues are now three games away from the halfway point in the 2022/23 season, and prior to the Sutton game last weekend Paul Simpson gave his thought on the progress made by Carlisle United so far.

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He said: "It's going better than I expected it to be, if I am going to be really honest with you.

"I didn't really know I was still going to be here in December so that's the first bit, but then this season has been really good.

"I have been delighted with whoever has been called upon, whether it be a regular starter or whether somebody whose not played regularly has had to come into the group, they have gone and perfromed really well, so I'm delighted with what's gone on."

However, Simpson did emphasise the importance of not paying too much attention to current league standings when ensuring Carlisle's week-to-week performance is as optimal as possible is the priority.

He said: "I'm not looking at game twenty-three and thinking that's the catalyst for whatever, I just look at each game now.

"After the first ten you get a feel of where you are, we are now still in a good position after nineteen, I want us to be in an even better position, or the same after twenty and you just keep building.

"I wouldn't say it's take each game as it comes because I know that's something everybody says, I think you look at blocks.

"You're judged over 46 games and that's what we have to got make sure we are up their after 46."

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