Monday, 08 September 2008

How they rated

Jon Colman gives his verdict on how the Blues heroes played in the epic win over Leeds.

KEIREN WESTWOOD - Some remarkable saves in both halves, and a performance up there with hisvery best

PAUL ARNISON - Raven’s return onThursday means this may have been his last Blues start. If so, the right-back can bow out with his head held high

EVAN HORWOOD - Linked expertly with Hackney for United’s second and looks back to his energetic,enterprising best

DANNY LIVESEY - A towering defensiveperformance on his return from suspension.Dominant in the air and authoritative on the ground

PETER MURPHY - If anything, even more impressive than Livesey. Brave and composed throughout

CHRIS LUMSDON - This was Lumsdon at the peak of his powers: strong in the tackle, effective in the pass and influential in all the midfield disputes

MARC BRIDGE-WILKINSON - The perfect response after being dropped against Bournemouth. Inventive in his advanced role and claimed a classicmidfielder’s goal

GRANT SMITH - Perhaps the least noticeable ofUnited’s central trio, but some of his defensive work was crucial to the cause and he played a vital role in the second goal

SIMON HACKNEY - A constant menace to Leeds in the first half and earned his luck with United’s opener. Suffered a knock in second half and replaced.

SCOTT DOBIE - His pace and persistence was crucial in allowing United to threaten Leeds down both flanks.

DANNY GRAHAM - Led the lineimpressively as Bridge-Wilkinson and co drove on intodangerous areas

Subs: Cleveland Taylor (for Hackney, 69) - Filled in down the left and didn’t let Ward down. 7; Paul Thirlwell (for Smith, 79) - Some important spoiling work to limit Leeds’ late threat. 7; Gary Madine (for Graham, 90) - Thrown on in a final attempt to kill time. 6

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Will city chief Maggie Mooney's job share benefit Carlisle and Allerdale councils?

No, both are full time jobs and require all of her attention

Yes, she can learn and show things that will help both

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