Last night was my first look at Carlisle this season, and needless to say, it wasn't pleasant. We were outclassed for the entire 90 minutes, and if Grimsby scored six, that's probably only because they didn't need to score more. The defence was ripped up throughout, the midfield was outfought, outthought, outpassed and outrun, and the attack was, well... Walker and Tracey. However, I think it's fair to say that though Grimsby might not be much cop by Division One standards, they are streets and streets ahead of anything we're likely to meet in the League this year, so I'll reserve judgment till after Mansfield on Saturday. I'm still not sure whether Grimsby made Carlisle look bad, or Carlisle made Grimsby look good. Both, I suspect. On the plus side (clutching at straws dept.), heads didn't drop (some should roll, though) and Carlisle did seem to be trying to pass the ball more than last season, albeit in their own inept manner. The player's acknowledgment to the 70 or so fans at the end of the match was cursory to say the least, or did I rush out too quickly and miss something? The best moment of the match for me was when it dawned on me that the score wasn't going to reach double figures. I think that sums it up best. Roll on Saturday. Joe
| RIOA Index |
1999/2000 IML reports |
Email the webmaster |