Louis Storey, Carlisle United's assistant head coach, has demanded an immediate response after labelling the team's 1-0 defeat at Eastleigh as unacceptable. The loss leaves the club 16th in the National League.

Storey did not hold back in his assessment of the performance in Hampshire. "I’m really disappointed with the performance and the result," he said. He felt the side lacked quality, energy and resilience throughout the entire match, falling behind to a goal just before half-time and never recovering.

Isolated disappointment

Despite the poor showing, Storey views it as a one-off. He pointed to positive aspects from the opening games of the season, but admitted the current points tally is not where the club aimed to be. The assistant believes there have been enough chances created in most matches to win, but converting performances into results is now critical.

The absence of key players was felt at Eastleigh. Brad Nicholson and Regan Linney missed out through illness, while captain Morgan Feeney was rested as a precaution after returning from injury with little pre-season. Storey described Feeney as one of the best defenders in the league, and his leadership was sorely missed. The number of absentees forced changes in defence and midfield.

Set-piece concerns

Another area of focus is set-pieces, at both ends of the pitch. Carlisle are yet to keep a clean sheet this season. Storey noted that a lot of those have come from set plays, which shifts the momentum of games. He wants the team to become more threatening from their own dead-ball situations while improving defensive consistency, all without losing their aggressive style.

The involvement of younger players like Hayden Atkinson and Jonah Lowes is part of a longer-term plan. Storey said regular game time in men's football is essential for their development, even if it comes during a challenging period.

Looking ahead, the immediate focus is on rectifying the situation. "Our expectations are just as high, and our ambitions are just as high to be successful, not only yesterday, not only Saturday coming against Woking, but this season and in the seasons ahead and the future ahead," Storey stated. He acknowledged the reaction from the travelling supporters after the Eastleigh defeat and said the coaching staff shares their high standards.

Nicholson, Linney and Feeney all have a chance to return for the next fixture, depending on how they complete training this week. That next game is a significant opportunity at home to Woking, who sit 18th in the table. Carlisle's recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five, a sequence they are desperate to improve. The match at Brunton Park kicks off on Saturday, 26 September.

Read the full report at Carlisle United Football Club