Carlisle United boss reacts to Burton Albion victory

The Blues’ 1-0 win at Burton Albion saw Simpson’s side pick up their first points in nine League One games and their first clean sheet in 28 outings.

Sam Lavelle’s header was the difference in a display of grit and physical determination from United at the Pirelli Stadium.

It was watched by 246 travelling supporters who returned to Burton two weeks after a belated postponement.

Manager Simpson said he was glad to reward the faithful at last after ending an eight-game losing run - and also in light of the disappointment of two weeks before.

“It was rubbish the way [this game] was called off last time, really poor the way it was done so late, especially with the journey that these supporters have to make,” he said.

• Jon Colman's big-match verdict on Carlisle's win at Burton

“Thankfully a load of them have turned up again tonight, and we’ve been able to get a result for them which has sent them home happy.”

Defender Lavelle headed home a Taylor Charters free-kick in the first half to give United the lead.

Some fine saves from Harry Lewis helped United keep the Brewers at bay amid an aerial bombardment, while the impressive Jack Diamond came close to increasing Carlisle’s lead.

United, with the recalled captain Paul Huntington commanding at the back, held off Martin Paterson’s side and Simpson admitted it was a much better feeling than he and his colleagues have endured over the last two largely fruitless months.

Sam Lavelle (No5) heads the winner (Image: Richard Parkes)

“It’s a lovely feeling,” he said. “Because that’s what you’re in it for – to win games of football.

“It’s been a real tough, testing time for everybody involved with us. But thankfully we were able to grind it out today.”

Simpson was pleased that his plan to combat Burton’s aerial approach paid off.

“When you watch the opposition and have an idea of what they’re going to do, and you set a game plan and a team up to combat that, it’s nice when it works,” he said.

“I don’t like changing [things] as I have done, but because we’re scrambling trying to find a group and a right system for us, we’ve had to do it.

“Thankfully tonight it’s worked and it’s pleasing for all the players, it’s pleasing for all the supporters…it’s also pleasing for the staff because there’s a lot of work goes into it.

“We don’t just turn up to a game, expect to click our fingers and it happens. There’s a lot of work that goes into the preparation, but unfortunately when you lose everyone says your preparation’s rubbish and you’re not doing anything right.

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“We have to take that on the chin but tonight it worked for us and that’s really pleasing.”

Burton’s style was at odds with many of United’s other League One opponents and Simpson said the Blues had to be ready for it.

“We’ve never had to defend a game this season with as many long throws as that, and with free-kicks, [Jack] Powell has great quality from set plays,” he added.

“[Our players] have had to earn that result tonight, and there are some tired legs in there – probably some sore heads from the amount of headers they’ve had to do.

“But it’s really pleasing when you come away with a victory.”

Simpson, meanwhile, said some "unacceptable" abusive comments from a home fan was the reason behind some angry exchanges involving his coaches late in the game.

Paul Simpson said a Burton fan gave him uncalled-for abuse (Image: Richard Parkes)

Goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins was among those to react angrily to a fan in the area behind the Blues' dugout.

"There was one bloke who was giving me some almighty foul and abusive language, which is not called for," said Simpson.

"He’s a Burton fan, and I’m a 'Derby reject' apparently - with lots of expletives involved in it.

"I just don’t think we need that. That area there is supposed to be quite sensible people. Whether that bloke had had too much to drink I don’t really know.

"But he certainly wasn’t in control of what he was saying.

"There were young girls sitting all around him, and young lads as well – I just don’t think there’s any need.

"There’s no big deal about it, the stewards have apologised, and some of their staff have apologised, but I just don’t think there’s any need for that."