On reflection a point was probably about fair, as for long periods Carlisle dominated the midfield and looked threatening through Francois Zoko. PNE's midfield was the real weak link and was bypassed throughout the match until Grezzworth bought Tsoumou on, which led to the very disappointing Adam Barton dropping back into central midfield, with Doyle and Coutts so PNE had more presence in the centre.
This along with a more orthodox strike force and a tiring Carlisle led to PNE dominating the final 20 minutes and they could have potentially grabbed the win they wanted if they had put their chances away and had a little more luck, particularly with Doyle hitting both posts.
PNE would probably have lost this game under Phil Brown, not just because we showed more fight but also because of the changes Grezzworth made when things weren't working and the bold decision to take off the tiring talisman Iain Hume, on 85 minutes when PNE were desperate for a goal, bringing on eventual match saver Jamie Douglas.
Man of the Match
Francois Zoko looked like the sort of player we would love at North End, skillfull, powerful and quick. He took his goal superbly and earned himself a round of applause from both sets of fans when substituted late on. Shame there is no money in the coffers to make a realistic bid, but these are the sort of players PNE need to be attracting, lower league players who are talented and showing promise for the years ahead (although Zoko is 28) who have hunger to win, rather than the rejects and uninterested players bought in under Phil Brown. Player Ratings:
- 01 Stuckmann 7 - It's great to not have to worry about your keeper making gaffs again. Another solid game.
- 02 Gray 7 - played fairly well, could have hidden away after unfortunate leg breaking tackle, bombed on down the right late on. Made crucial header over own bar to prevent score becoming 2-4.yellow card
- 03 McLaughlin 6 - played fairly well in less familiar role.
- 06 Morgan 7- becoming one of most crucial players, another solid performance and has cut out mistakes.
- 39 McCombe 6- gave away clumsy penalty, troubled by Zoko's pace. Comical moment on half way line passing ball to Carlisle player 3 yards infront of him.
- 08 Coutts 6 - went missing for large portion of game, a little disappointing but maybe stifled by Barton infront of him. But crucial run and cross for late equaliser.
- 15 Barton 4 - really poor, looked uninterested, didn't make any tackles. Crowd got on his back late on. No impact.
- 16 Mayor 6 - Looked good in 5 min spells, but then disappeared for 15. Got caught on ball that led to chance and seemed to instantly lose confidence.
- 17 Parry (Tsoumou 68) 6 - Not much impact, took penalty well but apart from that not much to offer, even his delivery was very average. (7, threw his weight around showed some very good touches and worried Carlisle defence, must start next game! Shame he couldn't finish his chance).
- 38 Doyle 6- Once again looks good but then goes missing, as midfield was over run. Needs to start bossing the centre, he has ability.
- 07 Hume (Douglas 85) 7- Once again worked hard, caused problems, probably should have scored another. Will remain most important player, needs to stay fit. (6- only had a few touches, looked delighted with tap-in equaliser).
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