Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson said it was a “huge” moment for Joel Senior to cap his comeback with a first Football League goal.

The wing-back headed the Blues’ opener in their 5-2 win at Crawley Town.

It was a latest step forward for the ex-Burnley and Altrincham man after his recent return from a long-term injury.

Senior’s diving header was his first goal at this level and Simpson was quick to salute the 23-year-old.

“It’s huge. It’s brilliant for him,” said United’s manager.

“Credit to him for getting in at the far post as well and get on the end of it.

“I thought it was real good football to get ourselves in there as well.”

Senior was making only his seventh appearance since returning from a cruciate knee ligament injury lay-off.

He came back into the side with Jack Ellis back on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

That gives Senior the chance of another run in the side after a spell when Simpson has taken the defender in and out of the team during his early weeks back to fitness.

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Another player back in the goalscoring groove is Omari Patrick, who scored his fourth of the season on Saturday.

It was his fourth of the season and his second since returning from injury.

“After working hard to get fit after an injury it’s always nice to get in on the act,” Simpson said of the forward.

“He got one, and could have had another one that went past the far post, but him and Joe Garner have been a real threat with the way they worked.

“It was nice to be able to get them off [in the second half] and keep them fit and available.”

Simpson was pleased with how United spread their goals out – both in terms of scorers and style.

“Scoring from set plays is massive,” he added, referring to United’s fourth and fifth goals scored by Morgan Feeney and Jon Mellish respectively.

“We’ve talked about that. We had really good delivery, and had people getting across the near post and getting on the end of things.”