Much stiffer tasks lie ahead but there was plenty to feel pleased about in Carlisle United’s opening day win at Woking.
Despite two successive relegations dropping them into the National League, the Blues were backed by over 1,000 fans in Surrey.
The supporters enjoyed the performance from Mark Hughes’ side as they dominated for long periods and were comfortable 2-0 winners.
Certainly without the heroics from goalkeeper Craig Ross, Woking would have been dead and buried long before the end.
Although not always secure in his handling, his shot stopping was of the highest order and he was largely responsible for the sides turning round all square.
His two best efforts were when he managed to claw away a curler from Regan Linney and then a miraculous stop to keep out a header from Aaron Hayden when he got on the end of an Elliot Embleton corner.
Both sides had goals disallowed in the first half. Chinwike Okoli’s strike didn’t count because of an offside flag and debutant Harvey Macadam’s effort was ruled out because of a foul.
The breakthrough came on 57 minutes when young defender Jack Ellis sent Luke Armstrong in on goal and h finished expertly into the bottom corner.
Nine minutes from the end substitute Ethan Robson secured the points when he fired home a deliciously placed free kick.
