Penrith boss reacts to dramatic derby win over Carlisle City

Yahoo

26-02-2025

Penrith boss Darren Edmondson was delighted his side rediscovered their shooting boots in time to defeat derby rivals Carlisle City.
The Bonny Blues got the better of their fellow Cumbrians in Tuesday's Northern League Division One clash at Gillford Park.
Edmondson's side came from behind to win 2-1 thanks to late goals from subs Kingsley Grandison and James Bell.
The visiting boss was relieved his side timed their return to form in front of goal to perfection, after previous outings when they had failed to make the most of their opportunities.
'Without being disrespectful, it was only late drama because [City keeper] Stephen Townsley probably had one of the games of his life,' Edmondson said.
'We had a couple of opportunities in the first half before going in at half-time 1-0 through an own goal – a ball came across the near post and there was a bit of a mix-up in our back four.
READ MORE: Late drama as Penrith fight back to defeat Carlisle City
'I felt that if we just kept doing what we were doing, we'd at least create chances. The problem has been taking them in the last few weeks.
'We got beat 1-0 at Newcastle Blue Star last weekend when they only had one shot on target and scored, and we had several.
'We've been playing well and we kept going. He [Townsley] kept saving them until we made some changes and then changed the shape slightly.
'The two goals were really good – balls from wide, runners in between centre-backs and two great finishes from Kingsley and James.
'I think even Dan [Kirkup, City manager] will admit we were probably comfortable winners in the end, even though the scoreline and a late finish would say it was tight.'
Edmondson added that his side's fitness and work-rate helped them get over the line in the derby.
'They train hard, they train well. The turnout for training is always good,' he said.
'And I think that showed in the last ten-15 minutes. They'd made all their changes but we only made two or three, because I didn't feel we needed to make more.
'When lads are getting towards the end of the game, sometimes if you're chasing the game, [it is better to stick with] people that are actually in the moment rather than getting up to speed with the game.
'We managed to get Conor Hammell into a little bit of space on the right and coming inside on his left foot.
'The two balls that he played over the top for both goals…there's not many at this level can pass that ball like that.
'We didn't get him on the ball enough in the second half but in the last 20 minutes we managed to do that.
'And to get a late win against your rivals is always a bonus. The celebrations were great, as you can imagine.'
Next for 15th-placed Penrith is a trip to bottom side Tow Law Town as the Cumbrian side look to make further progress.
'We've had momentum from a point of view of positive play, but you want points on the board,' Edmondson said.
'Tow Law are bottom for a reason, so we've got to make sure that we are strong in what we do and mindful of our shape and the way we approach it.
'But very rarely do I have to question the work rate of our team. It's about us imposing ourselves on them and seeing where we go. And hopefully, if we can hit the target a little bit more consistently, we'll score some goals.'