Mike Williamson says he hopes to see the result of some “honest” discussions behind the scenes at Carlisle United after the Blues’ slump at AFC Wimbledon.

United are preparing for a home clash with Harrogate Town this weekend following last Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing that sent them bottom of League Two.

Carlisle’s display in south London, particularly in the first half, was dire and Williamson says it has been the subject of plenty of analysis – and straight talking – in the subsequent days.

“As a coaching staff we've watched it back a few times and we've picked out everything that we feel had the biggest effect on the performance and the overall result,” the head coach said.

“I know there'll be a handful of players that would have watched it back as well for their own benefit, which is good and that shows the character and the leadership we've got in the group.

“We've sat down with the boys on numerous occasions and we've been quite honest with each other and taken a lot of responsibility.

“That's the only way we can move forward.

“The response has been excellent in training and now we've just got to make sure that that translates onto the game on Saturday.”

United’s defeat in south London featured some faulty defending, particularly from set-pieces as the Dons got on top.

Williamson said those areas, rather than any perceived criticisms over style of play, were critical last weekend.

Williamson said areas other than United's style of play were responsible for the Wimbledon defeatWilliamson said areas other than United's style of play were responsible for the Wimbledon defeat (Image: Richard Parkes)

“I think the style of play is a bit of a fallacy in terms of why we've lost the game,” he said.

“There were three set-pieces, and a long-range shot [which led to the goals].

“Ultimately, too, the fact was that when we did have the ball, which we did for large periods, we didn't affect that back line well enough.

“When you're in this period and you concede such an early set-piece [Wimbledon opened the scoring in the eight minute] it puts you on the back foot.

“But we've got to make sure that that doesn't happen regardless of what comes our way – we get heads down and focus on what we need to control.

“But yes – three goals from three set-pieces…of course it's a huge area that we need to face.”

Carlisle are bottom of the pile on goal difference and need Saturday to kick-start some much-needed improvement.

Williamson says a clarity of thought amid difficult times is going to be essential.

Asked about the experience he draws on in a challenging period such as this, the head coach said: “It’s just to simplify everything.

“There are detail and elements that go into winning games, but more than anything it's that will and desire and being on that front foot, winning your battles.

“Off the back of that you earn the right and that's what we didn't do last weekend.

“That has been a heavy focus this week – and wanting to play forward, run forward, pick up second balls…

“But the main thing when emotion's high is just to clear the fog. The game can become very complicated but it's a simple game – you've got to win your battles and you've got to have that intensity and desire to pick up every single ball that you possibly can; crush the space, win your duels and play simple.”