Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson's verdict on Blues' display at Morecambe

The Blues turned in a strong performance in their 0-0 draw with League One hosts Morecambe on Saturday.

And though United failed to get on the scoresheet, they had the better of the game against Derek Adams’ third-tier side.

Simpson said he was delighted with much of what his team did in Lancashire on the final weekend before the big League Two kick-off against Crawley Town.

“There were so many things to be pleased about, but the first thing to say is that the fitness levels of the players is really good,” Simpson said.

READ MORE: Verdict - Morecambe 0-0 Carlisle United verdict: Simmo's sharp Blues look ready for battle

“I thought it was very disciplined, and we dominated the ball for long periods against a League One side.

“There were a lot of good individual things and we were really good as a collective.”

United created numerous openings as they dominated plenty of the proceedings at the Mazuma Stadium.

Simpson was also boosted by the return of Omari Patrick as a second-half sub.

Though Brennan Dickenson missed out with a dead leg, and Ryan Edmondson was subbed at half-time as a precaution over a hip problem, United’s manager was pleased with what he saw in a second successive Saturday outing against League One opposition.

Callum Guy battles against Morecambe

“It really has been [encouraging],” he said.

“Last week I thought we were excellent against Bolton.

“I thought here we’ve done 99 per cent, maybe 99.5 per cent, of the things right. We just haven’t scored.

“People will probably say scoring’s the biggest percentage of the game if you want to be successful. I think if we hadn’t been creating chances I’d have been more annoyed and frustrated.

“But we’ve created chance after chance. Our set play delivery and movement was excellent, we’ve created some really good one-on-one opportunities, or balls in behind them where we’re getting in.

“Unfortunately we just didn’t get goals, but that’s something to build on.”

Simpson was also pleased with United’s fitness levels against the Shrimps.

He also praised his backroom staff for helping to drill the players into the shape and organisation that was plain at Morecambe.

“I don’t profess to be a great coach, but it’s little bits of information that players need, and what we’ve tried to do is be consistent with the messages we give,” he said.

Omari Patrick returned from injury as a sub at Morecambe

“It was consistent through the last 15 games of last season and I’ve tried to do the same again with them this time.

“Whether or not we play with a different shape, I try to give clear and simple messages and I definitely don’t overcoach anybody.

“The training has been designed really well and credit to Gav [Skelton, assistant manager] and Jamie [Roper, fitness coach] for doing the bulk of that, with me chipping in with my stuff here and there.

“I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve looked organised and disciplined, but the true test comes next week.”