Disputed Penalty Robs Carlisle
Carlisle boss Ian Atkins was left fuming after conceding a dubious penalty which leaves the Cumbrians still searching for their first win of the season.
Atkins said "The game hinged on two decisions. Tony Hemmings drives into the box and is brought down from behind, the referee gave nothing when 5 yards away. 5 minutes later the referee is facing the play 10 yards away, ignores their penalty appeals and takes a late decision from the linesman who can only see the backs of the players involved from further away. It was disappointing to lose like that on a disgraceful decision.
However, I am pleased with the progression of the players, who've only been together two weeks. It is the first time away from home and we looked comfortable and kept our shape well. The players are disappointed, because the know they should have had something out of the game but an awful decision has gone against them."
Orient almost took the lead in the first minute when a rasping Lockwood drive had Luke Weaver at full stretch to turn it round the post. Orient continued the pressure, forcing four corners in quick succession.
Carlisle's first attempt on goal almost snatched the lead in the 25th minute when a Whitehead header from a Carrs corner was blocked on the line by Garcia.
Orient took the lead in the 32nd minute when the referee's assistant judged Tony Hemming's to have fouled Ahmet Brkovic on the edge of the box. Lockwood hammered home the resulting penalty.
Dave Lee, on at half time for the injured Julian Darby, was soon in the action, cutting in from the right only to see his shot clear the bar. Orient almost extended their lead in the 67th minute when Garcia saw his goalbound shot ricochet off Whitehead for a corner.
In the 82nd minute a Dave Lee cross was forced against the post by an unlucky Ian Stevens.
It was not to be Carlisle's day and Atkins was left to rue that penalty decision, he will hope that those decisions even out over the season.
Comment: -
I thought we played quite well today and should have had a point. Considering the team has just been assembled, they absorbed pressure quite well, and certainly look more solid than last season, keeping good shape most of the time.
I would like to see Dave Lee on from the start at Grimsby. He likes to take players on and has the skill to do it.
| Weaver | 7 | A little hesitant early on, apart from one great save, but improved as the match wore on. |
| Birch | 6 | Better tan last week, needs to show more discipline in his defensive duties, particularly keeping the line. |
| Whitehead | 7 | Played well and even got forward to good effect for set pieces. |
| Squires | 6 | Quite solid, stick to the task in hand. No frills. |
| Winstanley | 7 | Also had a better game than last week |
| Hemmings | 6 | Great going forward, weak defensively. Unlucky for penalty, although he should have cleared the ball with a big welly instead of trying football in a dangerous position. |
| Carss | 6 | Worked hard, but not particularly effective. |
| Darby | 6 | Should be more influential than he shows. |
| Soley | 7 | Probably my man of the match. Some might argue. Got into their midfield and positive going forward. |
| Heggs | 6 | An honest type of player, plenty of effort, but little came off for him. Will get better. |
| Stevens | 5 | Disappointing over 90 minutes, but unlucky with shot near end. I would rather see Dobie with Heggs. |
| Subs | ||
| Lee | 7 | Seemed a bit strange why he didn't start. Maybe hasn't got the legs for 90 minutes. Always dangerous. |
| Pitts | 6 | Ok until he was also injured, allowed Birch to go into central defence, when Squires was injured. |
| Dobie | 5 | Only on for a couple of minutes |
Not used - Tracey and McAughtrie
Mike Corry
I thought we were quite unlucky, 0-0 would have been a fair reflection. Compared to recent seasons we battled but this was the smallest, least physical and least direct Orient side in years. No chance of them being at the top in May.
I thought Darby was the best player on the pitch in the first half. I didn't see him get injured.
If David Lee isn't capable of lasting 90 minutes we should save him for the York match. Who cares about the League Cup? We've got next to no chance of beating Grimsby over two legs.
Couldn't understand why Akkers had Dobie stripped and ready to come on for 15 minutes. "There you go son, you've got two minutes to score two goals".
David Ashbridge
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