It’s a competition, under various guises, that has been continually abused, short-changed or ignored by a collection of Carlisle United managers, officials, fans and pundits.
But last night’s 2-1 win for Carlisle at Morecambe in the Bristol Motors Trophy took on new significance for this latest United group on and off the pitch.
It gave the Blues a second successive victory, and although much-changed sides did battle, the importance of another win to a column which has been worryingly short this season, cannot be over-estimated.
These are the two sides currently rated the worst two sides in the four divisions of the EFL. Both managers expect that to change by the end of the season.
That Carlisle also came from behind to win it with two second half goals from Freddie O’Donoghue (75 ) and Ben Williams (77 ) was more encouragement for United head coach Mike Williamson.
It was a former United player Hallam Hope who had given the home side the lead after 16 minutes.
Both United players had come on as substitutes – O’Donoghue scoring with his first touch and Williams, on at half-time after a lengthy injury lay-off. Again more good news for Williamson ahead of Saturday’s League Two.
Small steps certainly – a dogged win over a poor Salford side and a ‘reserve team’ win over the only side below them in the table – but positive ones which will be taken on board by the coaching staff – and the squad as a whole.
