Hughes calls for more away-day resilience from Blues at Harrogate
Mark Hughes has challenged Carlisle United to emulate the resilience they showed at Barrow when they head to Harrogate Town today.
A repeat of last week’s solid away showing would go a long way to another crucial result on the road in Yorkshire today (Exercise Stadium, 3pm).
A first ever league win against Harrogate could take Carlisle out of the relegation zone if Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe slip up against Bromley and MK Dons respectively.
Their last away game – the 1-0 win at Holker Street – is something they can lean on as they hit the road again, said Hughes.
“We’ve just got to switch to repeat again, really,” he said. “It's more of the same.
“It was difficult at Barrow, but we stood up to the challenge. The pitch wasn't that good.
“I'm not sure how good the Harrogate pitch will be, but I just think with a change of the seasons, the quality of pitches can differ; some get better very quickly, others deteriorate, so it's really important that we play when we can and when the surface allows us to play.
“But sometimes you've just got to match the opposition and stand up to that challenge and then the old cliché, earn the right to play, which we certainly did at Barrow, and we'll try and do again.”
United are seeking a first ever win at the Exercise Stadium today (Image: Richard Sellers / PA)
Hughes’ main selection decision could be on whether Cameron Harper is fit enough to rejoin the squad after a groin problem.
It is also hoped that keeper Gabe Breeze will recover from a knock to continue in goal.
Carlisle are seeking another much-needed win to enhance their current four-game unbeaten run.
In order to do that they must win for the first time in eight league meetings with Simon Weaver’s fifth-bottom Sulphurites, in front of another sell-out away end.
Hughes said he is encouraged at the way the team are taking on board his instructions and advice so far.
“We’re continuing to highlight certain things and details that I see in games, and in fairness, the previous messages that we’ve talked about have been seen in our play,” the head coach added.
“So that's reassuring to me that they've taken it on board, and they're able to take on board information and actually apply it in the games and recognise when those situations develop, and remember what we’ve talked about.
“It’s about giving them information that they can use. It's not about overloading them or giving them too many ideas, or to be too loose in terms of the grey areas.
“Most of them are either black or white – you either do it or you don't, and it's back to what I talk about all the time, which is decision-making.
“But I think if we can take away a little bit of the greyness, then the only grey we want is what we've got, which is on my head…”
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