Notts County boss Stuart Maynard insists Carlisle United will stay up – despite claiming he never felt his side would concede to the Blues.

The Magpies defeated Mike Williamson’s strugglers 1-0 to go second in League Two.

Carlisle applied plenty of pressure and hit the post in the second half but Alassana Jatta’s goal was decisive against the 23rd-placed Cumbrians.

Maynard praised his side’s defensive resolve in the face of United’s attacking, saying Notts mostly kept Carlisle in areas where the hosts were comfortable.

“You have to give huge credit to Carlisle. They’re a very good team. They’re not a team that will be down there at the end of the season,” he said.

“Mike’s signed the players that fit his philosophy and identity. But defensively, it’s another clean sheet, that’s 11 for the season, and I didn’t feel under any threat for us conceding.

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“Other than when Bassy [keeper Alex Bass] kicks it into midfield and he [Joe Hugill] hits the post, you tell me another chance. We had the best chances of the game.

Jordan Jones came close for Carlisle in added time (Image: Richard Parkes)

“Other than their winger [Jordan Jones] coming inside and curling one to the far post, and if it’s on target Bassy saves it comfortably, I don’t think they opened us up.

“I don’t think they had many clear chances. We managed the game in the sense of where we wanted them to go, on the outside of us, and we defended our box.

“They had a lot of possession in and around the final third but we decided where we wanted them to cross the ball and shoot.

“I’m really impressed with the way we defended.”

Jatta’s 16th goal of the season continue the Gambian striker’s impressive season.

Maynard, meanwhile, was adamant his side should have had a penalty in the second half when Nick Tsaroulla went down under Josh Williams’ challenge.

Notts County 1-0 Carlisle United - as it happened

“I’m baffled why it’s not [a penalty],” he said in a club interview. “The fourth official said, ‘The reaction of your players is why it’s not a penalty’.

“But we tell our players not to surround the ref or react. I’m a bit baffled on what they want now.

“The ref has to make that decision. It’s a clear penalty. He nicked the ball off him and got wiped out.”