Toby Mullarkey, a 30-year-old defender on a half-season loan from Fleetwood Town, said Carlisle United must become more clinical at both ends of the pitch as they chase their first league win. The Blues, who have earned one point from their opening two matches, will face newly-promoted Hornchurch on Saturday at Brunton Park.
Clinical Edge Needed
Mullarkey told the News & Star that the team has shown enough in their first two games to suggest results will follow, but that “costly moments” must be cut out. He highlighted the need for precision in the penalty area and in the final third, noting that a few of the goals conceded were “mistakes” that could be avoided with a clinical approach. The defender believes that if the Blues “create chances” and work together “in tandem, both at one end of the goal and at the other,” performances and results will improve.
Reuniting with Rob Elliot
The 30-year-old joined Carlisle on a loan that began three weeks ago, reuniting with head coach Rob Elliot, under whom he played at Crawley Town. Mullarkey praised Elliot’s attention to detail and said he “really wanted to get it done and finalised” when he heard of the club’s interest. He added that Elliot’s clear expectations for the team will help them reach their potential.
Fan Support and Atmosphere
Mullarkey cited the club’s size and fanbase as key attractions. He recalled his friend Harrison Neal’s description of the “volume of fans” at Carlisle, noting that nearly 9,000 supporters turned up for the first home game against Worthing, a figure that “is a ridiculous turnout” for a non-league fixture. He said the electric atmosphere “keeps the fans in their numbers” and that “if we can repeat that and bring good performances and results, it keeps the fans in their numbers and hopefully gives them something to cheer about.”
Facing a Physical Test
The Blues will take on Hornchurch, who have started the season with back-to-back wins. Mullarkey described the upcoming match as “a tough, physical game” and praised the promoted side’s recent victories over Kidderminster Harriers and Barrow. He added that the National League’s standard should not be underestimated, citing his own experience at Altrincham and the “tough league - probably the toughest to get out of.”
Future at Carlisle
When asked whether he could see himself staying beyond the loan, Mullarkey said he would like to, but that “football can change really quickly.” He cited the club’s motto of “Never get too high, never get too low” and said he is “taking it day by day.” He stressed that unity and cohesion are essential for the 2026/27 campaign, noting that “everyone together, running the extra yard, making the extra pass, whatever it might be, being brave on the ball - having that togetherness as a team will take you a long way.”
The Blues’ next challenge will test whether the clinical improvements Mullarkey calls for can translate into a first league victory.
