Mixed emotions for John McGreal after Colchester draw at Carlisle

Posted Sunday, February 11, 2018 by PA

Colchester head coach John McGreal had mixed feelings after seeing his side produce a solid away performance in a 1-1 draw with Carlisle.

McGreal felt Colchester did most things right other than finish off the numerous chances they created.

“I’m pleased with the performance, disappointed with the result,” he said.

“Carlisle must be delighted with a point, but my reaction is disappointment.

“Sam Walker made a great save from a header to keep us in it, but we had lots of shots and crosses and should make the most of them.

“Thankfully we scored on the stroke of half-time. Courtney (Senior) was a real ‘Johnny on the spot’.

The Colchester boss felt that Carlisle had fewer opportunities to claim the three points than his side.

“Apart from a couple of free kicks there was nothing else really,” he said.

It was from one of those second-half free-kicks that Jamie Devitt scored his third goal in as many games to equalise for the Cumbrians.

Devitt, who had earlier seen another free-kick clip the bar, produced a curling 25-yarder which left Walker unable to reach the ball as it flew into the top left-hand corner.

U’s had taken the lead a minute before half-time when Senior slotted home after Carlisle goalkeeper Jack Bonham parried Kurtis Guthrie’s initial effort.

McGreal praised the effort his players put in although they missed a chance to take all three points four minutes from time when Mikael Mandron picked his way through a crowded penalty area only to see his shot rebound off the post.

“Mandron had one of his better games but we still want those goals. It was unfortunate that his shot hit the post,” said McGreal.

“Three points is huge in this division and we feel we have thrown away two here.

“The good thing is these boys bounce back. We are close yet so far. Some of the football today was exceptional, but a perfect away performance was not to be.”

Carlisle boss Keith Curle did not attend his post-match press conference and instead analysed the game with his players ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Notts County, according to a club official.