Carlisle United manager reacts to Port Vale victory

The Blues claimed a sorely-needed victory in dramatic style when Jon Mellish headed home in added time.

The 2-1 win took Carlisle off the bottom League One, up two places and within three points of the safety line.

It was a first win in ten league games – and a first victory since the Piataks bought the club.

Simpson made special mention of United’s American owners after the game, with the Florida family attending the game before flying back to the USA.

“I’m so pleased for them,” said the manager.

“I’m going to be selfish [and say] I’m delighted for myself and the staff that we’ve got a win.

“And they [the Piataks] have had the frustrations – they want to see a victory, and they’ve seen it today.

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“They’ve seen what happens in this football club when you get a win and how fans respond.

“They are doing so many things – there are so many things going on in the background to try and make things in this club better in terms of the dressing room areas, the hospitality, there are plans in place for the East Stand, there are proposals and discussions going on about training grounds, about improving the houses for the players to live in…

“They are proper hands-on. Tom and Patty have spent every day in this football club while they’ve been over, doing their work, and today is a reward they can take home and enjoy the flight back.”

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Carlisle came from behind to win after Ben Garrity shot the Valiants ahead, Jordan Gibson’s penalty levelling things before Mellish headed home Jack Robinson’s injury-time corner.

Paul Simpson (Image: Ben Holmes)

Simpson felt United’s performance showed plenty of character as well as quality in spells.

'I'm proud of what we did'

“At half-time I said it had been a really positive 48 minutes but we were going to have to go again.

“I could hear that their manager was giving them a proper rollocking at half-time – I couldn’t hear what was being said but I could hear raised voices, so I knew they were going to come flying out and I said we’re going to have to match it, compete and challenge.

“We have a little lapse in concentration for the set play when we have someone who doesn’t go out and do the job they’re supposed to do, and they get that overload, and it’s a horrible goal to concede.

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“But the character we’ve shown to keep going was really pleasing and I’m proud of what we did.”

Simpson, after the 2-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on December 29, had called for more “bravery” in an attacking sense.

He said that quality was on clearer display against Andy Crosby’s visitors on New Year’s Day.

“Absolutely, there was definitely a bravery,” he said.

“One thing I want more of is a belief. I think we had the bravery to get there, but they didn’t actually really go and believe they were going to score.

“And that happens when you’re on a run like we are. But thankfully they kept going.

“I thought it was really good football to get the penalty, and then belief from Jordan Gibson – that’s the sort of player he is, he’s a confident player.

“And then the bravery from Jack Robinson to whip that cross in and Mells to get on the end of it.

“I think we’ve had lots of good deliveries from set plays, I just don’t think we’ve had that desire. We always talk about ‘know your job and do your job’, and everybody knows what their job is, but you’ve got to really go and do it.

“If you’re up there as a first contact, you’ve got to go and attack the ball and thankfully Mells has done that – and what a great feeling it was to see it go in.”

Carlisle celebrate Jon Mellish's winner (Image: Ben Holmes)

Simpson said the spirit shown to turn the game around must be a foundation for further improvement.

'It gives us a real fighting chance'

“They showed real good character, and that’s what we’re going to have to do,” he added.

“This doesn’t make everything alright but it certainly gives us a real fighting chance. It gives us a boost.

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“We’re in a new year, it’s a new start for us. We can’t do anything about the games that have gone where we haven’t done enough, or done well enough, but the challenge now is for the second half of the season.

“Last season we had a really good run to get ourselves in a good position and then didn’t finish strongly. This time we’ve had a poor start, and now we have to make sure we finish this season strongly.”

Simpson, meanwhile, reiterated his desire to be part of United’s new era for the long run, as he continues his efforts to steer the Blues to League One safety in the early period of the Piataks’ ownership.

“It’s a massive relief to be honest with you,” he added of the Port Vale outcome.

“Because we’re trying to do everything we can. We’ve got a long-term plan at this club and unfortunately that doesn’t happen very often.

“I think there was a bit of short-term thinking from supporters because of the run we’re on, but the owners have got a long-term plan and they want me as part of it, and I want to be part of it.

“I’m doing everything I possibly can to try and affect the results, but unfortunately we weren’t getting them.”