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Despite a blistering first half of the season, an alarming drop-off in results during February saw Carlisle United’s promotion ambitions fade away.
United topped the League Two table in early January, but a spell of eight games without a win and a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad had a detrimental effect on the side. The Cumbrians ended up finishing in a mediocre 10th place, the third time they finished in this position since relegation in 2014.
Key games:
Carlisle United 1-0 Barrow AFC
After being embarrassed by a substandard Scunthorpe United team the week before, the pressure was starting to mount on Chris Beech’s shoulders. The team’s disappointing start saw United positioned 17th in League Two going into the game.
United again came out on top, with a 1-0 win at a rainswept Brunton Park.
Underfire midfielder Jon Mellish was the hero on the day when he sent a powerful header past Joel Dixon in the 24th minute.
Mellish was supplied by Gime Toure after some sublime footwork saw the Frenchman burst past Patrick Brough to deliver a sumptuous cross, which was despatched by the former Gateshead man.
There was one blemish for Carlisle on a historical day in Cumbrian Football. Vice-captain Aaron Hayden was shown a straight red after a tangle with James Jones.
United’s triumph not only signified the start of a five-game unbeaten run, but more importantly, it was the start of Jon Mellish’s remarkable goalscoring form.
Carlisle United 3-2 Colchester United
The Cumbrians had moved up to eighth place by the time Colchester United visited Brunton Park on the 17th October.
United took an early lead when Lewis Alessandra’s cross evaded the statuesque Dean Gerken. Alessandra became provider in the 29th minute, squaring the ball to Jon Mellish, who finished confidently with his weaker right foot.
However, there was a spanner in the works, as Luke Norris scored twice on either side of half time to level the scores at half time.
Carlisle were a changed team from seasons of old, and they showed great resilience to find a winning goal through Aaron Hayden’s 81st-minute header.
Carlisle United 2-1 Salford City
This fixture was a poignant moment in the season as a little light appeared during an extremely dark period. Fans were back in stadiums for the time being, and the meeting between the two promotion rivals was the first to have that blessing.
Both sides were placed towards the top of the table, and it took a piece of magic from Lewis Alessandra to break the deadlock, as he majestically curled in an effort from the edge of the area in the 33rd minute.
Rhys Bennett doubled the scoreline in the second half when he sent an excellent diving header past Václav Hladky from a Callum Guy free-kick.
Salford grabbed a late consolation goal after Manchester United loanee Di’Shon Bernard headed in Ibou Touray’s cross.
Walsall 0-2 Carlisle United
The Cumbrians travelled to the midlands hoping to go top of the League Two table, and they did so in style.
Carlisle took the lead in the 26th minute through Omari Patrick after some clever build-up play combining Lewis Alessandra and Taylor Charters saw the United academy graduate slide in Patrick, who finished emphatically past Liam Roberts.
After defending astutely throughout the game, United killed off Walsall in the 78th minute when Josh Kayode converted Joe Riley’s cut back with a mis-hit shot that evaded Roberts.
United were top of the league, but a Covid-19 outbreak meant that they would not play until the 30th January, and by that time, they’d slipped to sixth place.
Cheltenham 1-1 Carlisle United
While the Cumbrians were toiling, their hosts, Cheltenham Town, were a point away from promotion to League One. United needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The playoff dream was well and truly alive when Josh Kayode opened the scoring for Carlisle in the 33rd minute. A trademark Callum Guy free-kick was met with great athleticism by Kayode, and the ball soared past Josh Griffiths.
Cheltenham fought back in the second half, with Chris Hussey crashing in a stunning free-kick off the bar to equalise.
This would be enough for Cheltenham to gain promotion, and the jubilant scenes after the match reminded United of what could’ve been had they sustained their promotion push.
Transfers and their impact:
GOALKEEPERS: Magnus Norman, Paul Farman, Marcus Dewhurst
Norman was initially signed as the first-choice keeper, with Farman backing him up but a pre-season injury to Norman saw Farman clinch the starting spot. Dewhurst was brought in to cover the bench until Norman returned.
Farman ended the season with 15 clean sheets, and his impressive kicking length caused many opposition players problems. Norman managed to make four appearances and impressed with his calmness in possession.
Dewhurst only made one appearance in an FA Cup clash against Hayes and Yeading United, which Carlisle won on penalties.
DEFENDERS: Rod McDonald, George Tanner, Jack Armer, Rhys Bennett, Morgan Feeney
McDonald made 29 appearances overall, but his mistakes in vital fixtures were part of the reason why United will be spending another season in League Two.
Tanner was one of the star performers in United’s emphatic first half of the season. An injury in a 4-0 win against Stevenage meant Tanner didn’t return until the 16th February when United were on the decline.
Armer became a revelation, and he ultimately made the left-back position his own after having to cover at right-back while George Tanner was injured.
Bennett was acquired in November to add an extra option at centre back. He instantly became a hero with three goals in his first five games and was consistent until tearing a knee ligament in March.
Feeney was signed in January from Sunderland, but an unfortunate training injury means the former Everton man has not featured this season.
MIDFIELDERS: Brennan Dickenson, Joe Riley, Danny Devine, Dean Furman, Connor Malley.
Chris Beech made some quality additions to solidify Carlisle’s midfield.
Dickenson has had a difficult start to his Carlisle United career, sustaining a hamstring injury in pre-season. He returned in January and played 12 games before another injury, this time to the shoulder, ruled him out for the remaining games.
After past injury problems, it was wonderful to see Joe Riley transform into an inspired attacking midfielder. Riley was a vital cog in the wheel for Beech’s side.
Devine has been extremely reliable when called upon by Chris Beech. He made 14 appearances, showing commitment when filling in both midfield and fullback roles.
Furman’s Carlisle career has been disappointing so far. It was hoped the South African international could bring guile and experience to the defensive midfield position, but the outstanding form of Callum Guy has kept Furman’s involvement to a minimum.
Malley’s loan spell was limited to 93 minutes, as he struggled to break into the first-team fold.
FORWARDS: Joshua Kayode, Gavin Reilly, Gime Touré, Ethan Walker, Micah Obiero, Offrande Zanzala, Cedwyn Scott
United brought in eight attackers over the season to aid their promotion hopes.
Kayode’s goal total may seem underwhelming, but the Cumbrians were evidently better with the Rotherham United loanee in the side. His long throws and energetic high pressing helped pin back many opposition defences.
This was to supposedly be a homecoming for Reilly, but the former Carlisle academy player struggled in front of goal. One goal in the first half of the season saw him being allowed to leave for Livingston in January.
Touré often flattered to deceive, with moments of genius, but the end product was often lacking.
The early promise shown by Walker was dented when he picked up a shoulder injury against Sunderland. He returned to Preston North End for recovery, but Beech decided to bring him back in January, though his game time was limited.
Obiero was a panic loan signing when injuries were cropping up early in the season. The on-loan Huddersfield Town forward failed to make any real impact.
Zanzala, nicknamed the pirate because of his industrious and swashbuckling play, did not have an immediate influence on United, but when United started to struggle he stepped up. A devastating solo goal against Southend United showed his quality.
Scott came in as a Non-league hotshot, but his opportunities were limited to cameos off the bench. He is yet to make a mark on the Cumbrians.
Key Players:
Callum Guy
The key linchpin in United’s midfield, Guy was forever the driving force behind the Cumbrians’ performances.
Often left isolated in a deep-lying playmaker role, Guy held his own, with 525 second balls won. He also finished the season with 14 assists, the most in League Two.
⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽?????? Fancy an assist?
A reminder of why you all voted for @callumguyi … pic.twitter.com/7QTf0Q3lwS
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) May 9, 2021
Jon Mellish
A remarkable goalscoring record from the defender turned attacking midfielder. Without his 16 goals this season, United would’ve been in a much more desperate position.
Mellish’s ability to execute the high press and pile pressure on the opposition’s midfield was an important factor in the way Carlisle play. His technicality and awareness have grown over the season, and his development has seen rumoured glances from higher divisions.
?⚽️ Carlisle's Jon Mellish scored a brace, including one of the goals of the night, to take his tally for the season to eight! @officialcufc #CUFC @JonMellish1 pic.twitter.com/8U51CHjBp4
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) November 4, 2020
Aaron Hayden
The backbone of the Cumbrians, Hayden started where he left off in the 2019/20 season, with more imperious performances.
Dominant aerially with 354 aerial duels won and five goals to his name, Hayden proved he is one of the top defenders in League Two.
A strong partnership with Rhys Bennett was crucial in United’s promotion charge, which sadly fell short.
Season Verdict:
After such a dazzling start, there is a feeling of what could have been from the Cumbrians. Despite mitigating factors such as the COVID-19, lack of a training ground and budgets, there have been too many excuses used after negative performances.
In the second half of the season, it was the basics that were lacking and the team reverting to long-ball tactics was worrying.
Although the final outcome of the season is unsatisfying, there is real promise for future seasons. Chris Beech has built a solid squad, with the majority of players under contract or offered new deals.
Hopes for next season:
Fifteen years without promotion is simply not good enough and the second-longest period without domestic success in the team’s history. Promotion has to be the target for Chris Beech next season because the optimism leftover from the Fred Story era is close to running out.
More accountability, honesty and tactical flexibility will be vital if the club is to progress.
Astute signings to add competition and quality to the squad must be made because mainly minor tweaks are needed to take the team from promotion hopefuls to promotion favourites.
With crowds hopefully back in next season, there will be nowhere to hide for players, staff and board members alike, so uninspiring football will not be tolerated. The club must get next season right on all fronts otherwise the bubbling anger below the surface could re-emerge.
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