Mark Hughes heaped praise on goalkeeper Gabe Breeze after Carlisle picked up a vital point in the League Two relegation battle with a goalless draw against in-form Colchester at Brunton Park.
Breeze made two excellent saves from Lyle Taylor as the Cumbrians ended a four-game losing run and the former Man City boss was astounded by the 21-year-old’s performance.
He said: “The game had some great saves from the goalkeepers. Gabe’s save is one of the best I’ve seen and I’ve been in the game a long time. I’m sure he’ll be watching that one back on YouTube.”
As well as the individual performances, Hughes was in the Brunton Park dugout for the first time since joining the club nine days ago and he was full of praise for the home support.
“I really enjoyed it, we had the whole crowd behind us and that gave us belief,” he added. “The game overall, we struggled at the start.
“We had a couple of players under the weather. Charlie (McArthur) had to go off and Josh (Williams) got an injury.
“We had to change a lot at half-time and the lads had to take a lot on board, but their response was good.
“I was pleased with the response of the boys after two defeats. We’ve got a clear week this week and we’ll have time on the training pitch.”
Meanwhile, Colchester missed out on a chance to close the gap to the play-offs, but boss Danny Cowley was pleased with his side’s performance, particularly in the first half.
He said: “I thought we were excellent first half, we had control of the game. They changed their system after 20 minutes, but we still dominated and we lacked a bit of technical quality in the final third.”
It was not just Breeze who displayed goalkeeping heroics, with Colchester’s Matt Macey also producing a pair of great save from Stephen Wearne and Elliot Embleton strikes and Cowley praise both stoppers for their efforts.
He added: “In the second half they changed to three at the back and we lost a bit of control. Mace (Matt Macey) made a couple of great saves and their goalkeeper (Gabe Breeze) makes what I think is the best save I’ve seen live.
“I thought it was destined for a goal, it was a great counter attack and the goalie has just tipped it over, he’s somehow saved it, I can’t believe it.”
Colchester keeper Macey added: “I think a point’s right, we had the better of the first half and they had the better of the second half.
“I’m happy to make the saves, but I’m lucky enough to be behind a solid defence so when I’m called upon and the boys need bailing out, I’m happy to do that.”
