Stuart Maynard always felt comfortable during Notts County’s 1-0 win over League Two strugglers Carlisle.
Alassana Jatta netted his 13th goal of the season in the 19th minute to leave County second in the table, 11 points behind leaders Walsall.
Head coach Maynard said: “Football’s a funny game. For the way we performed at the weekend to only come away with a point to tonight. But you have to give full credit to Carlisle United.
“For me, they are not a team that will be down there come the end of the season. I think Mike (Williamson) has signed players that fit his philosophy and identity, so you have to give them credit.
“But defensively tonight we showed what we are about. It’s another clean sheet, the 11th of the season and I didn’t feel at any point under any threat to concede this evening.
“That is honestly, other than when Alex Bass kicks it into midfield and he hits the post you tell me another chance.
“I have looked back, we had the best chances of the game other than their winger cutting inside and curling one at the end where if it’s on target, Bassy saves it.”
United seemed destined to equalise in the second half through Joe Hugill, but the striker’s curled effort cannoned back off the post.
Carlisle manager Mike Williamson was proud of his second-bottom side, who are five points from safety, at full-time.
He said: “I am incredibly proud of the team. The effort and the quality of the performance.
“The only thing we were lacking was putting the ball into the back of the net, but we do not feel that the scoreboard tells a true reflection of the game.
“They are where they are in the league for a reason, we had to be patient without the ball in the first half, but it just showed with the spirit of the lads in the second half to put Notts under pressure.
“The fans pulled us through. The output of energy was high, and we had to make changes, but the fans gave us that extra percentage of energy to keep us going right until the end but unfortunately for us we just could not put one away.
“They found a way to keep us out and that is why they are up there, but not many teams will come here and do to them what we did to them today.
“We did well, made good chances and on another day we have a different result.”
