Paul Simpson feels there is no “common theme” to the goals Carlisle United are consistently shipping early in the second half.

The Blues have conceded in the opening minutes of the second period in each of their last six games.

Stoke City’s 48th-minute goal in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat followed a 47th-minute- goal by Gillingham in Saturday’s league opener.

United previously conceded in the 50th minute in their final pre-season friendly against Stockport County, having also been breached in the 48th minute at Gateshead, the 49th minute at Rochdale and 50th minute at St Mirren.

Simpson said he is aware of the pattern but was sceptical about the idea the goals are in some way linked.

“I look at everything, to be honest with you – it's not that I'm going to say I don't care about it,” the Blues manager said.

“[But] I don't think there's a common theme about it. They're all different types of goals that we're conceding.

“Saturday [Gillingham’s second goal] was a mistake, which you can't legislate for.

Carlisle conceded early in the second half at Gateshead, pictured, and other friendlies against St Mirren, Rochdale and Stockport CountyCarlisle conceded early in the second half at Gateshead, pictured, and other friendlies against St Mirren, Rochdale and Stockport County (Image: Richard Parkes)

“[Stoke’s opener] was a different type of goal where the quality from the set play did us, and also the movement from their players from set plays.

“We worked on set plays because we watched their game at the weekend, and we watched their game against AZ Alkmaar. They've got a wide range of set plays, and they've got players who've got great delivery.

“We looked at it, but there's no common theme about it.

“We've just got to make sure that we defend every situation better, whether it's two or three minutes after half-time, or whether it's 15, 20 minutes into the half.”

United are now preparing for Saturday’s all-Cumbrian clash with Barrow at Brunton Park.

A couple of players to come in for praise from Simpson after the Stoke game, meanwhile, were Harry Lewis and Jack Ellis.

Lewis, whose second-minute error saw Carlisle concede at Gillingham, made a number of good first-half saves against Stoke.

“I thought he showed a real positive attitude,” said Simpson. “He was really front foot. He came out and made some good blocks in the first half.

“He was a little bit unfortunate with the second goal because on other occasions that spins wide of the post. It just happens – it’s sod's law with us at the moment that it spins in.

“But we've just got to keep working to make that luck change for ourselves. Harry did because he was positive. He came and punched at least one, and he showed he reacted in the right way from Saturday, and hopefully we'll all keep improving.”

Simpson was also pleased with the way the normally right-sided Ellis stuck to his task at left wing-back against Stoke.

Options in the position are vital at a time other left-sided players such as Cameron Harper, Taylor Charters and Jack Robinson are sidelined.

“Jack did well, and I thought Ben Williams did well again when he came on,” said Simpson.

“So we've just got to keep Ben right and then hopefully Cameron will be back soon and Jack Robinson's not a million miles away either from joining full training.

“We've just got to try and look after the group that we've got and hope that we get a little bit better luck than we've been getting with injuries.”