Madine’s just two good for Penrith
Last updated 11:55, Thursday, 17 April 2008
Carlisle 2 Penrith Town 0: Eric Kinder was full of praise for rising star Gary Madine after he struck twice to fire Carlisle to Cumberland Cup glory against Penrith Town last night.
The Blues coach admitted Madine, 17, caught the eye and scored two good goals in front of first-team boss John Ward at Brunton Park.
He opened his account on the half-hour mark, calmly slotting home from close range before further upping his rising stock with a good finish from 12 yards in the 76th minute.
Kinder fielded a strong line-up with Zigor Aranalde, Paul Arnison, Paul Thirlwell and Kevin Gall all included in the starting eleven.
Thirlwell, who was captain, played the full 90 minutes and came through unscathed on his return from an ankle injury.
“I thought Paul Thirlwell came through it well,” said Kinder. “We wanted him to play the full 90 minutes and he did that.
“I was really pleased with his energy and enthusiasm and he’s ready if called upon for the last three league games.
“Gary will get the headlines because he caught the eye and scored two good goals but I thought Tom Aldred also had a fine performance and him and Darren Campion were a good partnership.”
Forgotten man Kevin Gall did little to persuade Ward he’s worth a recall and his future now appears certain to lie away from Brunton Park.
He should have scored two minutes after Madine’s opener but fired straight at Penrith defender Mark Jones with the goal gaping.
He did though set-up Madine’s second goal after being given too much space by the visiting defence and went on a pacy surging run in the 55th minute before Tinnion sliced the resultant chance wide on the angle after Madine’s lay-off.
Penrith, who will secure promotion to Northern One if they win at home against Crook Town on Saturday, were chasing the game for long periods in the first-half, showed little ambition going forward and were fortunate to be just one down at half-time.
But they were like a different team after the break and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet. Their best chance saw United keeper Chris Howarth somehow deny substitutes Karl Jackson and Tim Fletcher with a brilliant double save in the 85th minute.
Ryan Errington, Matty Lea and Barry Irving all went close during a second-half flurry before Madine’s killer second goal.
Penrith supremo Dave Heslop, formerly Carlisle’s youth coach, said: “We gave them a bit too much respect and stood off them a bit too much first-half.
“We made a bit more of a game of it second-half though and credit to the lads, it was a tough game but they never gave up.”
CARLISLE: Howarth, Arnison, Aranalde, Joyce, Aldred (Duffy 80), Campion, Gall, Thirlwell, Carlton, Madine, Tinnion (Hindmarsh 68). Unused subs: Carson, Cook, Blake.
PENRITH: Holland, Paul, Jones, Pattinson, Robertson, Frampton (Ferris), Wilson, Townsley, Irving (Fletcher 84), Errington, Lea (Jackson 84). Unused subs: Hodgson, Prokas.
STAR MAN: Gary Madine. Took his chances well and linked up impressively with his team mates at every opportunity.
