Mike Williamson: Carlisle showed their character and personality to bounce back

Mike Williamson was pleased with Carlisle’s response to recent criticism as they beat Accrington 2-1 in a crunch clash at Brunton Park.

Kadeem Harris scored his first goal for the club and Luke Armstrong added a second as Carlisle secured a vital three points against their relegation rivals.

The victory is Williamson’s first at Brunton Park since taking the job in September and he was pleased with the way his team reacted to a Boxing Day defeat to Morecambe.

“I’m delighted with the reaction,” he said. “Today showed the team’s character and personality to bounce back.

“It’s been a really tough period. As we saw today we do have the quality, but we had to hone in on the fundamentals and make sure we got them right.

“It’s difficult to manufacture a good feeling when you’re in this situation, but the boys had to this week.”

Armstrong was singled out for praise, as the former Harrogate striker scored his third goal of the season.

“He put a really good shift in,” Williamson added. “Similar to the game at Port Vale, he was very effective. Boxing Day was very tough for everyone.

“He is just resilient and emotional, he comes and keeps fighting. He puts teams under pressure, as did the whole team, and Kads (Harris) was good too.”

It was a tough day for Accrington and their manager John Doolan, as their winless league run extended to seven games.

He said: “It was a huge game for both teams. We wanted a fast start but we didn’t get it.

“I told the lads about that. We need to be on the front foot and the first goal is crucial, it’s massive to the game.

“It gave them a lift and it was disappointing on our side, but the response was good, we had a couple that hit the post. You’re scratching your head and you’re thinking how they haven’t gone in.”

Stanley put Carlisle under pressure late on after Tyler Walton pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute and Doolan thought his side’s finishing let them down as they searched for an equaliser.

“We did get the ball in the box plenty of times, but we didn’t threaten their keeper or the goal that much.

“Our build-up play was good and was threatening, but we just didn’t have the finishing touch,” Doolan added.

The Lancashire side could find themselves in the relegation zone should Morecambe win at Salford later on Sunday, and a concerned Doolan said: “Everyone wants to win games of football.

“We all know that we’re there, it’s a dogfight, but we’ll stick together, take a look at that performance and you’ll see a response.”