We spoke to Harry Lewis, following our 0-0 draw with Colchester.
Speaking to CUTV, Harry said: “I think in the first-half, we played some really good stuff and we looked really, really confident, really positive. But the second-half was a bit backs against the wall. And in the end, we're probably happy to come out with a point.
“Just probably a bit unfortunate and we'll be a bit frustrated that we couldn't have got the goal when we were so dominant in that first-half.”
The first-half was impressive, and things looked like they’d began to click for the Blues. Lewis spoke about the new style, saying:
“There's a lot of information to take on board and I don't think it's something that is going to click in and be perfect straight away. It's going to take a little bit of time and we've all got to be patient as players, as staff, as fans, as part of this football club. We've all got to be patient because it's not going to happen overnight.
“This is a really radical change in the way that we want to play. But I think it's fun to be a part of. When it works, it's great to watch, really, really good to watch, really enjoyable to play in and I just hope that we can continue to build in the right direction and that results follow alongside that. Because at the end of the day, that is obviously what we're here for, is to win games.”
The second-half was a contrast to the first, as we struggled to get a foothold in the game, we asked our 'keeper what he put that down to, he said:
“I think we maybe got a bit fatigued later on in the game.
“We didn't look as confident. And when your backs are against the wall, you tend to play quite safe. And certainly myself, I'm probably guilty of that.
“The gaffer obviously wants us to play a more controlling style of play. And I think because we were sort of backs against the wall and under a lot of pressure, we probably went a bit more direct than what we're aiming for and that was probably where we strayed away from the game plan.
“But as I say, as part of a defensive unit, to be able to dig in like that is something to take a lot of comfort from because it shows that we can do that. And that's something that's probably been missing a lot, really, in my time here so far.”
On adjusting to the new system, Harry said: “The goalkeeper is absolutely massive in the way that the gaffer wants to play.
“I made a few saves today, but I'm still critical of myself in that I was possibly not as effective in possession of the ball as the gaffer would want me to be. It's a learning process. I hope that I can get there and be the goalkeeper that he wants me to be.
“I hope I can be effective on the ball like he wants from his goalkeeper because, as I say, you are a massive part of the way he wants to play. But I'm really enjoying learning. It's nice to feel like you're learning things every day and you're actually getting better.
“It's a testament to what the gaffer wants, but it's an enjoyable process to be a part of and I aim to be a part of it for a long time.”
Harry made a couple of outstanding saves, so of course, we asked him about those, he said:
“It's great because I feel like there's probably been a lot of noise about how we're playing and playing out from the back and building up and all that sort of stuff.
“But, at the end of the day, it's still my job to keep the ball out of the net. And I want to be really, really good playing out from the back. I want to be that first line of attack, but I need to remember that it's still my job to keep the ball out of the net.
“I can't really forget about that as well. Yes, there's obviously been a change in the goalkeeping coach position as well. Tom [Weal] come in. Really looking forward to seeing what he's going to bring to the table, but he's been so good so far.
“It's nice to have days like this. If you can't win, don't lose. And I think this could end up being an important point. You never know how the season's going to pan out, but it was a satisfying one from a defensive point of view today.”
One of Harry’s saves really caught the eye, as a deflected shot looked to have wrong-footed him, but he somehow got a hand out to turn it behind. He talked us through that, saying: “It's just pure reaction. The shot was heading for my left side, quite low down and I just went early.
“But I think it's come off Terell [Thomas] and it was just close enough that I could get my right hand onto it. These sorts of things happen in split seconds. It's one of those ones where you don't really know how you kept it out, but it's a nice feeling to keep it out.
“It's a nice feeling to get another clean sheet on the board. I've not had too many of those in my time here, so every one of them I'm going to really enjoy. It's a nice feeling to be there and to contribute to a result today."
On 95 minutes, the Blues had two corners, with a slight chance to steal all three points. We asked Harry how he felt, looking on at that point, he answered: “I think the best scoreline in football for me is a 1-0 win. I think it would have been so nice if we could have nicked one late on, because it would have felt a bit undeserved. But as I say, on the balance of the game, I think we heavily dominated the first-half and they probably heavily dominated the second-half.
"On the balance of things, I think a draw probably is just about the right result. This is part of a process. We've not come here to draw, but it's nice to have that grit and to stay in there and not lose, really.”
And finally, a word from Harry for the brilliant 352 travelling Blues: “It's incredible. I'm still blown away by the distances that these guys travel. And I've said this before, it can't be that easy to be a Carlisle fan at times. In my time here, we've certainly not had the results that these guys want and they deserve.
“It's a credit to them. They stick by us. They chant our names, win, lose or draw. I really enjoy being part of this football club and I really want this to be a successful thing. And I want to be a really important part of that going forward. And hopefully, that can be the case.
"We'll keep them on our side and we'll continue to grow. We can give them plenty of good away days as the season progresses.”
