Carlisle United v Southend United: a long trip and a proper test

Enjoy Yeovil, then learn from it

I have replayed those late Yeovil goals more than once. Charlie Oldaker’s free-kick gave us hope, Chambers-Parillon brought us level, and then Promise Omochere announced himself with the winner. Fantastic to watch. It was also a fairly alarming way to earn a victory, because for an hour Southend had given themselves an enormous mountain to climb.

Those two feelings can exist together. I loved the comeback. I do not want to need one every week. The Shrimpers have 13 points from six matches, and our away record is still unbeaten. That is a very decent start. But Kidderminster’s visit and the draw at Woking should have reminded everyone that we have to be sharper at both ends.

In particular, I want to see how we react when the opposition get a spell of possession. It is tempting after a victory like Yeovil to talk only about the goalscorers. The best sides are the ones who keep their shape when the goals are not flowing quite so freely.

Why Carlisle deserve respect

Carlisle have eight points from their first six league games, with two wins, two draws and two defeats. On paper, Southend’s start is stronger. At home, however, they have been anything but quiet: a 3–2 defeat against Worthing, followed by a 4–1 win over Hornchurch and a 4–2 victory against Scunthorpe. Ten goals in three matches at Brunton Park is a warning in flashing lights.

They have 13 league goals already and have conceded in each of their six games. There is opportunity there, certainly, because they are giving opponents chances. But it would be daft to go up there assuming we can simply outscore them. If we allow them to settle and supply their forwards, they have players capable of hurting us.

They also led away at Boreham Wood before losing late on. That sort of result cuts both ways. We may see a Carlisle side determined to put things right, and their home supporters will expect a response. It is another reason Southend must be switched on from the first whistle rather than waiting for half-time to solve a problem.

Carlisle player to watch: Georgie Kelly

Georgie Kelly is the name I would have circled on the team sheet. He scored twice against Worthing in Carlisle’s opening home match and is the sort of striker who enjoys a busy penalty area. Crosses, loose balls, the second phase after a corner: those are the moments when you want your defenders talking to each other.

Harvey Bunker, Miguel Azeez and Stephen Wearne give Carlisle other routes forward. Kelly does not have to do everything himself. If our full-backs push on, the covering runs from midfield will matter. I want Southend to attack, because sitting deep for ninety minutes is not our way, but somebody has to recognise when the safer ball is the right ball.

What does Dyer do with Omochere?

There will be plenty of opinions on whether Promise Omochere should start after his Yeovil heroics. His part in the equaliser and that dramatic winner have put a proper selection question on the manager’s desk. Does he reward the immediate impact or keep that energy ready to change things from the bench?

Harry Cardwell still offers plenty as an attacking reference point. Ryan Colclough can create something when the match feels stuck, and Chambers-Parillon has been contributing important goals. Oli Coker will need to get on the ball in midfield, especially during the difficult patches. My hope is that we do not treat Omochere as a miracle cure. He made an excellent first impression; building a balanced performance around the attacking options is the important bit.

The away support will do its part

There are easier journeys on a Saturday than Southend to Carlisle. Anybody making that trip deserves a proper effort from the players. Away followers have seen us win at Altrincham and Solihull, and get a point at Woking, so there is plenty to be optimistic about. You do not spend that many hours travelling just to see your side sit back and hope.

For me, the first twenty minutes are key. Keep Carlisle’s crowd quiet, compete for second balls and do not hand them a cheap early chance. Then get Colclough and our other forward players into areas where they can make something happen. They have conceded regularly; we should be brave enough to ask questions of them.

Our prediction

Carlisle United 2–2 Southend United