Paul Simpson on 'ruthless' Carlisle United after Barrow AFC thrashing

United laid on a five-star performance in front of the ground’s biggest Tuesday night league crowd for 15 years.

The 5-1 victory – their fourth in a row – sent Carlisle third in League Two.

They also scored five at home for the first time since Boxing Day 2018.

Carlisle hit four of their goals in a merciless second-half performance, Jon Mellish’s 44th-minute opener followed by efforts from Joe Garner, Mellish again, Omari Patrick and a Kristian Dennis penalty.

Simpson was delighted with how his side had risen to the occasion before a bumper 9,351 attendance.

“There's been loads of occasions throughout my career where you build and you build, and the [big] crowd comes in and soon it falls flat on its backside,” he said.

READ MORE: Our big-match verdict on Carlisle United 5-1 Barrow AFC

“So I had that fear tonight. I had that worry about it. And then you see the conditions and you think, ‘Oh, it's a horrible night. It's about minimising mistakes’.

“But with the way the players went about it, they were absolutely ruthless and professional – hung in when we had to, then just ran away with it in the end.”

Carlisle’s emphatic victory was a major statement of their promotion potential while their fans also stepped up on a memorable night.

“It says that everything is on the up,” the manager added of the support.

““It’s a brilliant turnout and you’ve got to give the Barrow fans credit as well. They came in numbers and they all made it a good atmosphere.

Simpson is applauded to the tunnel by fans in the Paddock (Image: Ben Holmes)

“Obviously they were a bit quieter in the second half thankfully, but for us, that was brilliant support.

“I used the word ‘surprise’ on Saturday, but they’re not surprising us. They keep turning out and doing this.

“It’s absolutely fantastic but we have to keep winning games of football to keep them coming back.”

A first-half tactical switch, with Mellish moving from defence to midfield, tempered Barrow’s best spell in the first half.

He then opened the scoring amid a brilliant display.

“The way that Barrow have set up has been very consistent. They only had one game where they changed their shape,” said Simpson.

“Although I didn’t like the way they kept the ball for spells, I didn’t think they caused us too many real problems. It wasn’t that we were getting overrun, but I felt a change of shape for us might give us a little bit more control and a chance to get ourselves into the game.

“I’ve got to say it’s a little bit of luck with the goal, with a good finish, but there was a mistake that we pounced on. I thought we were really clinical and ruthless and that’s the desire that we’ve got in our group.”

Garner then scored his first goal since rejoining the Blues for a second spell – a hugely popular moment that was greeted to loud celebrations.

“That’s why we’ve brought him here,” said Simpson of the experienced frontman.

“He knows the game, he knows football and he’s got a calm approach about him.

“I thought they tried to do their very best, particularly on the sidelines, to get Joe carded and get him in trouble, but he was as calm as anything.

“He was brought down on a few occasions but he picked himself up and got on with it. He didn’t get wound up by anything and he showed his experience.

“I’m really pleased for him and I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve got him with us.”

After Mellish made it 3-0, Patrick got his third of the season before Dennis took his tally to 18 from the spot after a Ben Barclay own-goal at the other end.

Ever the perfectionist, Simpson still felt there were areas Carlisle could improve on.

“I wanted a clean sheet. We didn’t get it so there are definitely things to work on and improve on.

“We have to be ruthless. When you’re at 4-0 and you make a mistake it’s ok – well, it’s not ok, but you can cover it up.

“We just have to make sure we keep going. There were a lot of good things but still areas where we need to be better.”

Simpson, whose side will aim for five wins on the spin against Harrogate Town on Saturday, was a little hoarse as he conducted his post-match interviews.

“I think it's from the weekend,” he smiled. “To be honest, I don't think I've fully recovered from Saturday afternoon [at Rochdale].

“I was having to do a bit shouting tonight, and I don't mind that I can be hoarse tomorrow – I'm sure [my wife] Jacqui will be delighted if I can't speak…”