Milton laments small margins

A first-half goal from Charlie Wyke, the former Middlesbrough striker's fifth goal in six games, was all that separated the sides at Brunton park.

Milton said: ``I can't fault the lads' effort and commitment and it was a game which was decided by the small margin of a free-kick.

"It is a bit of a setback but we will get highs and lows and we have to be level headed and believe in ourselves and believe that we can get over the line."

Milton was aggrieved that referee Craig Pawson missed what he felt should have been a first-half penalty for a challenge on Matt Sparrow.

However, he admitted: "We got around their box but didn't produce very much. We had a few second-half chances but we didn't create much and the decision making wasn't what it should be."

Cheltenham's two best chances fell to skipper Matt Taylor. The first came after Carlisle failed to deal with a high ball, but with goalkeeper Dan Hanford out of position, Taylor could only drill his shot straight at Sean O'Hanlon who was covering on the line.

Taylor had an even better chance in the dying seconds of added time when he headed wide when unmarked in the box.

However, Milton refused to blame the defender for failing to score.

He said: "He had a free header from about eight yards and any other day it would have gone in, but you can't fault Matt for getting in there and having a go. Today it just didn't go for him.``

Carlisle manager Keith Curle praised the way his side saw out a game which, in windy conditions and with vital points at stake, was destined to be no classic.

He said: "It was a nervy game and unspectacular because of the cold and blustery conditions. But it's an important result for the changing room. We toughed it out and rode our luck a little.

"We showed a lot of belief and the goal came at the right time. Sweeney showed a never-say-die attitude to get to the ball and it was a poacher's goal by Charlie.

``Five or six teams are going to spend time in the bottom two before the end of the season. It's how you deal with it that matters."

Curle handed the captaincy to 19-year-old Kyle Dempsey, and he said:"He led by example and showed no fear. I gave him the arm band and the responsibility because he has shown his commitment to the club by signing a new contract."