Pressley off to a winning start in 2019-20
Carlisle earned their first opening day victory in nine years as they saw off 10-man Crawley at Brunton Park.
New signing Harry McKirdy and Stefan Scougall both slotted in rebounds, either side of a Beryly Lubala equaliser on 32 minutes.
Prior to kick-off, an impeccably-observed minute’s applause was held in memory of former Cumbrians skipper and legend Peter McConnell, who sadly passed away last month aged 82.
It was a lightening fast start when Panutche Camara capitalised on Byron Webster’s error but flashed across goal new club captain Adam Collin’s goal.
The Red Devils would quickly rue that miss, as Nathan Thomas’ left-footed strike was only palmed away by Glenn Morris, and McKirdy nodded in to send a sweltering Brunton Park wild.
Soon after, though, Lubala got the better of right back Christie Elliott and slotted past Collin to level the scores.
Crawley held their own for a period of 16 minutes but Thomas once again created a threatening opportunity for Carlisle.
The winger’s trickery allowed his space to shoot and after Morris’ smart save, Scougall smashed in off the crossbar to once again give the Cumbrians the lead and give his side the lead at the break.
Half-time: 2-1
Following the interval, The Red Devils created numerous opportunities but were denied by Collin on various occasions.
In particular, a flying double save from firstly Camara and then imposing striker Oliver Palmer on the four mark.
Mike Jones kept things ticking over in the middle of the park, both holding and spraying the ball about well, although new signing Olufela Olomola claimed their official man of the match award.
Surviving other chances, Carlisle notched things up during the latter stages, pressing when Crawley were caught out on counter attacks.
McKirdy was the instigator of the biggest Red Devils’ scare, teeing off Scougall who forced Morris to fantastically (and controversially) claw off the goal line before Thomas, left back Jon Mellish and loanee Ryan Loft all attempted to prod home; but somehow, the ball failed to hit the back of the net.
An understandably frustrated figure, travelling boss Gabrielle Cioffi was given a yellow card for his constant appeals to the fourth official, practically silencing the Italian for the remainder of the match.
It got tense towards the closing stages, as Crawley creeped up the pitch with corner kicks but Collin claimed the majority in cool fashion.
The red card came when Red Devils skipper Lewis Young appeared to headbutt substitute Jack Iredale in additional time, as first-time EFL referee James Oldham consulted his linesman and reached for his back pocket.
Iredale almost netted himself when Jack Bridge’s effort fell to him but the Australian could not convert.
Oldham blew is whistle one minute later, sending Steven Pressley delirious on the touchline, extending Carlisle’s unbeaten run against their West Sussex opponent’s to 12 games.
The Cumbrians will go to down Swindon Town next weekend, when they will hope to have Hallam Hope back – while The Red Devils host Salford City at Broadfield Stadium, hoping to fire up some momentum.
Attendance: 4,833 (81)
Home star man: Mike Jones
Away star man: Beryly Lubala
Referee: James Oldham
words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent