Early Previews....

Last updated : 19 April 2006 By Editor
Carlisle News & Star


CARLISLE UNITED skipper Kevin Gray today hailed the incredible never-say-die attitude of his team-mates which has carried the Blues to the brink of promotion.

United's dramatic 2-1 victory over Notts County on Monday was the EIGHTH time this season they have won a game after conceding the first goal.

The Brunton Park comeback kings now need just one point to be promoted to League One, while four would see them clinch the title.

And 34-year-old Gray – a near ever-present in Carlisle's march to the top of the table – told News & Star Sport: “All season we've shown we can score goals and win games by coming from behind.<

“It's just a good feeling that we've got in the dressing room.

“We gave a sloppy goal away on Monday but we've shown a hell of a lot of character to come back from it – and it was another massive win.”

In the league this campaign, United have bounced back to win after shipping the first goal against Cheltenham, Wrexham, Rochdale, Grimsby, Barnet and now Notts County.

They also achieved the feat in Football League Trophy ties against Blackpool and Macclesfield.

Gray, meanwhile, knows the League Two championship is now in sight – and says it would mean even more than last season's dramatic promotion from the Conference.

The Blues' veteran captain says the moment he lifted the Bob Lord Trophy after United's promotion play-off win against Stevenage last May was one of his proudest in football.

But he said: “If we can go on and win the title once we've secured promotion – touch wood – it is going to be massive.

“Getting promotion out of the Conference last season was big, but this is going to be even better.

“Not just for us lads who are playing, but for the people who have been supporting us week-in, week-out and turning out in their thousands. We want to do it for everybody in the city.”

Gray, however, has warned that United's four remaining opponents – Mansfield, Torquay, Rochdale and Stockport – will not simply roll over for the Blues in their seemingly relentless march to the title.

“Notts County haven't got a great deal to play for, but on Monday they didn't come here, lay down and let us beat them,” the ex-Huddesfield and Tranmere stopper said.

“We expect the same from every team we play for this season. Mansfield are sort of in between things but Torquay and Rochdale are both down there struggling, and they've got a lot to play for.

“We want to finish this season strongly and win every game we've got left. That's what we are aiming for.”