Mike Williamson took charge of Carlisle United for the first time on Saturday and he led the Cumbrians to their first away victory of the season as his side beat Swindon Town 2-0 thanks to goals from Sam Lavelle and Luke Armstrong.
An overview of the game
Swindon started the stronger of the sides with Harry Lewis making a string of saves to keep the Cumbrians in the game. It was a game that was heading for a goalless first half before Carlisle got a corner in the 42nd minute and amidst a goalmouth scramble defender Sam Lavelle got the vital touch to give Carlisle the lead going into halftime.
The second half had a very similar pattern to the first with Lewis making some saves early on before another set piece and goalmouth scramble led to Luke Armstrong slotting the ball home to give the Cumbrians their second goal.
Ex-Carlisle player Danny Butterworth hit the woodwork late on but apart from that Carlisle saw the game out relatively comfortably in the end and it gave them their second win of the season.
What did we learn from a Swindon perspective?
Mark Kennedy’s side got into some great positions, especially in the first half but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. If it wasn’t for the woodwork and Harry Lewis in goal it could’ve been a different story.
George Cox was a threat down the wing for Swindon at certain times but as the game went on the Carlisle full-backs got to grips with his threat and nullified it well.
What did we learn from a Carlisle perspective?
Mike Williamson has only been in charge for a couple of days and you could already see a difference in this Carlisle United side.
Defensively there were not as many errors as in previous games, and no chances or goals were gifted from defensive errors which has been an Achilles heel for the Cumbrians so far this season especially away from home.
Two goals from set pieces is a true sign that it has been worked on in training. Carlisle have some big target men and some tall players that can be a threat with balls into dangerous areas and crosses into the box.
Luke Armstrong and Charlie Wyke will thrive up front for Williamson’s side if they get the service they have severely lacked so far this season until today.
Who’s up next for both sides?
Up next in League Two for Swindon Town is a trip to Port Vale , Mark Kennedy’s side will want to bounce back after today’s defeat. Carlisle United face Grimsby Town at Brunton Park next weekend in League Two in what will be Mike Williamson’s first home game in charge, they will want to build on today’s big victory.