Mark Hughes sees the positives as Carlisle hold leaders and extend unbeaten run

Carlisle boss Mark Hughes was impressed with his team’s performance as they extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 1-1 draw against Sky Bet League Two leaders Walsall.

The bottom side conceded in the seventh minute when Taylor Allen slotted in at the near post but Aaron Hayden scored his first goal since returning to the club to make sure the teams took a point apiece from the game.

Hughes said: “We’re pleased overall, it’s another positive performance and another positive result.

“We’re now four games unbeaten, for a team at the bottom of the league it’s something that doesn’t usually happen.

“We’ve just got to continue in the same vein and try and get maximum points.”

Walsall presented Hughes’ Carlisle with a physical test and the Welshman admitted that it was something that his side could improve.

“They’re a big side, we’re not the biggest team so at times we have to use our intelligence, understand where the ball will drop and anticipate things a bit better, which is something we can do better.

“We’re getting where we need to be in terms of fitness levels and being able to deal with teams like that.”

The Cumbrians have Harrogate next and Hughes hopes his team will continue their good run.

“It’s a big game, we could drag them back into it with maximum points and that’s what we’re aiming to do. The more pressure you can put on the teams around us, the better it is for us.”

Walsall’s inconsistent run continued – they have now won just two matches out of 10 – but boss Mat Sadler believes his side could have picked up three points from the contest.

He explained: “I thought we should have won it, first half I thought we started unbelievably well. I thought until they changed their shape and scored, we were really on the front foot in the game.

“Their goal was disappointing to concede, with it being from a set play. We’ve been very good at that, defending from them. It’s one to look at.

“I though second half we were brilliant, I thought we played really well. There was a spell where you felt like the goal was coming but it didn’t.

“It was a real blood and thunder game, which you’d expect.”

On Carlisle, Sadler added: “The supporters are up, they’re right behind their team and so they should be because Mark’s given them something to shout about.

“They’re very difficult to play against, difficult to beat, so it’s an important point I feel.”