Paul Simpson said Carlisle United showed “incredible character” to dig themselves out of a hole against Rochdale.

The Blues came from 3-1 down to force a 3-3 draw against League Two’s bottom side.

Paul Huntington’s first league goal since 2017 earned a dramatic point.

And Simpson said that, while there were obvious flaws in the performance, United’s spirit was also clear.

“I think if you’re a football supporter, you’d have enjoyed that game, probably if you’re a neutral,” he said.

“My view on it is we had probably two spells when we lost our way. I don’t think we started the game particularly well, we went a goal down, then we recovered and showed a better type of football towards the end of the first half.

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“Second half we didn’t get hold of the game, there was a spell when we really lost our way and ended up 3-1 down because we were indecisive, poor on the ball and lost too many first and second contacts.

“There’s loads of things I was disappointed with. But the one thing I would say is I think that group of players have showed an incredible character, and a bit of strong personality has come out to be able to dig deep, get themselves back in the game, and possibly could have nicked a win.”

News and Star: United celebrate Jon Mellish's goal (photo: Barbara Abbott)United celebrate Jon Mellish's goal (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

United came from behind in the first half when Jon Mellish cancelled out Scott Quigley’s opener.

Then, after quickfire second-half goals from Devante Rodney and Quigley for Jim Bentley’s visitors, Kristian Dennis gave Carlisle hope with his sixth of the season before Huntington headed home a corner from fellow Cumbrian Owen Moxon.

It leaves United 12th in the early League Two table – and also ended a wait since May 2021 for the Blues to score three goals in a league game.

“The game was too open for me in my opinion,” Simpson added.

“That’s not how I want it to be, I want us to have a bit more solidity and security.

“In the end we’re delighted we’ve taken a point from it but there are so many things we have to keep building.”

Simpson praised Jamie Devitt for his impact as a substitute in the spell Carlisle fought back.

News and Star: Paul Huntington competes in the air (photo: Barbara Abbott)Paul Huntington competes in the air (photo: Barbara Abbott)

He also stressed that the game reflected the fact United remain in the early stages of a rebuild.

“We are going to get mistakes, we are going to get things that don’t quite go to plan. I just think if you work extremely hard you have half a chance of being successful,” he said.

“I’ve said all along, this situation at this football club is not going to change overnight. This is going to be a slow build.

“I want it to be quicker than it is at the moment, but we’ve just got to keep working, trying to improve the players, getting them to understand the importance of doing the basic things right, and if we keep doing that we’ll be ok.

“We are not the finished article, and maybe this game is a sign of where we are. We have to keep working at it and we’ve got to try and stay calm and positive. Hopefully we’ll keep building and we’ll get better through time.

“I’ve got to give the players credit – they stuck to it, kept going, showed a real commitment and desire and I think at the end, the supporters who turned up – another brilliant turnout – I think they can see there’s a real desire to do well here.”