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Peri Peri hot

Abbott starting to win over Cumbrian critics

Posted: 08th December 2009 10:22

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Peri Peri hot

Pericard: Proving Carlisle's ambition

There is no doubt more illustrious outfits will be raising an eyebrow or two especially as he has just a short time left on his short-term deal, penned in the middle of October.

Carlisle blogger Dan Cullen on Vincent Pericard
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Seven wins in the last 11 in all competiton has brought a rosy feel to Cumbria.

Occupying 12th place in the League One table, a Johnstone's Paint northern area semi-final against Bradford City next week at Brunton Park to look forward to as well as a FA Cup third round clash at Everton to come at the start of the year; things could be worse.

Three wins and a draw in the last four league games has helped propel us away from the drop zone and closer to the play-off places.... ok that's slightly fabricated. We are six places from Swindon Town in sixth and nine places from Brighton in 21st but if the truth be told, we are four points off the dreaded relegation places and seven from the dreamy heights of the play-offs. Still though, it's nice to be positive for a change.

Greg Abbott, dare I say it, may be winning his doubters over, although many still believe this fine mini run is papering over the cracks but whatever will come of it, he has gained several more games at the helm.

In the last two months, wins against Southend United, Charlton Athletic, MK Dons and Hartlepool in the league, Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint and Morecambe and Norwich in the FA Cup have given us reason for optimism following a poor start.

Rivival

Much of the newly found form can be pinned on the club's ambitious swoop for big-hitting target man Vincent Pericard.

The former Juventus, Portsmouth and Stoke City man wheeled into BP two months ago and he has scored five times in just 12 appearances. His addition to the squad has proved to be pivotal and it is no coincidence the team's revival has hinged around his arrival.

There is no doubt more illustrious outfits will be raising an eyebrow or two especially as he has just a short time left on his short-term deal, penned in the middle of October.

After scoring in four games - against Southend United, Morecambe (FA Cup), twice against MK Dons and Norwich City (FA Cup), the Blues have yet to lose - hopefully this happy statistic will continue into the new year.

However, one man doesn't make a team and although his contribution is proving significant, there has been a marked improvement from several other first teamers.

On the up

Young loan signing Tom Taiwo's stock is rising by the game and veteran Graham Kavanagh is improving it seems alongside him in the centre of the park. Meanwhile Matty Robson, signed in the summer from Hartlepool, is showing freedom and an element of fluidity on the left-wing.

Joe Anyinsah, albeit hit-and-miss, is looking sharper, stronger and fitter while cult figure Richard Keogh is developing into a fine full-back after slotting in for the injured David Raven in recent weeks. Adam Collin has dislodged Lenny Pidgeley in goals and the local lad is performing admirably.

Saturday's goalless draw at Gillingham was the first clean sheet in the league since the 3-0 success against Tranmere Rovers on September 5th and another few wouldn't go amiss.

Next up is Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday and Gary Waddock's outfit are languishing in the relegation zone. On paper it is a game Carlisle can certainly win but I won't make any predictions.

This is the exact kind of fixture that can bring us back to reality and I hope, for Abbott's sake, that he can claim another three points to keep the boo boys from crawling back out of the woodwork.

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