Kristian Dennis' late goal at Barrow not only ultimately sealed a derby day victory, it propelled the Cumbrians to within touching distance of safety.

One more win should do it now, according to manager Paul Simpson.

That is the bigger picture, but for Dennis himself the goal was just rewards for an impressive start to life at Brunton Park.

After a month of searching for attacking reinforcements, Dennis was one of a trio of forwards to arrive on deadline day at the end of a busy January transfer window.

GALLERY: Carlisle fans during the big win at Barrow

He quickly became a key part of the side following Simpson's appointment - but for a period his performances were arguably overshadowed by Omari Patrick's fine form and Tobi Sho-Silva's impactful cameos from the bench.

But it speaks volume about the key role that Dennis has played that both Simpson and fellow goalscorer Jordan Gibson referenced the striker's contributions in their post-match interviews.

And nowhere was that contribution more evident than at Holker Street.

An important role

Since Simpson's appointment, Dennis has played a key role in the 5-3-2 system.

Partnering Patrick up top for the majority of fixtures, the 32-year-old has been the perfect foil to allow his striking compatriot to flourish.

That's because of his willingness to drop deeper, creating space in behind for Patrick to exploit with his pace and power.

READ MORE: Simmo on Callum Guy's injury at Barrow

Indeed, Dennis has averaged just 1.9 touches in the box per game since arriving at Brunton Park - while Patrick averages 2.5 touches in the area in each of his outings.

And as shown by the diagram below, Dennis has a lower percentage of his touches in the final third compared to his strike partner.

Dennis tends to operate in a deeper role than his strike partner

But that is no bad thing.

By coming deeper to receive possession, Dennis ensures there is plenty of space for Patrick - and indeed the more advanced duo of the midfield three - to get forward, likely while pulling at least one opposition defender out of position.

It's a role that means Dennis' own opportunities in front of goal can be scarce (prior to the trip to Holker Street, he'd managed just five shots on target since arriving in Cumbria), but is one that is undoubtedly aiding the team as a whole.

Ball retention

Simpson has often spoken of his desire to see Carlisle have more 'control' in possession.

And while there is still work to do in this regard, Dennis has played a key role in helping his side regain and then retain the ball.

At Barrow, the forward won back possession three times in the opposition half and helped the Cumbrians secure the ball - particularly in key moments of the game.

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When he has the ball, Dennis tends to keep it simple.

He rarely plays long-range passes and looks to play the safest ball. His focus is often on keeping the ball in an advanced area; holding-up the play before there is another option in the final third - as shown below:

Dennis tends to keep things simple in possession

It's another role that can often go under the radar, but is one that has given Carlisle a platform to build from in an attacking sense.

Experience and nous

Everything we've touched on so far essentially boils down to the key thing that Dennis brings to the side, and it was something Simpson touched on in his post-match interview.

In the first half of the campaign, Carlisle's frontline was lacking that nous that an experienced attacker can bring.

That's a criticism that can no longer be levied - thanks in part to Dennis.

Kristian Dennis heads to the corner at Barrow

He has added some much-needed know-how to the side, and that was again apparent at Barrow.

Look back at the diagram of his touches during Saturday's game and you'll see a cluster towards the corner flag, as the striker helped Carlisle see out a crucial win.

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That's an obvious thing to do, of course, but to do it well is indicative of someone with experience of game management.

It may not be the most glamorous of jobs, and it may go under the radar, but it's an important facet of any successful team.

And when it comes to Carlisle's relative success of late, there is no doubt that Dennis has more than played his part - and his first goal was a fine reward.

All data courtesy of WyScout s.P.a.