Chesterfield should have won, says keeper Tommy Lee

The Cumbrians stormed back from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead through Richie Bennett’s fierce long-range drive.

But Chesterfield responded well and, having levelled through Kristian Dennis, could and perhaps should have won.

Lee certainly believes the three points were there for the taking.

MATCH REPORT“I think it’s a game we probably should have won, controlled the first half, didn’t give up any chances in the first half,” he said.

“In the second half we created a lot of chances, probably scored more than the two goals we did.

“But we had a mad 20 minutes after the break — we allowed them to get back into the game.

“Credit to the lads for the way they dug in and reacted to going 2-1 behind.”

The stopper, who made his return to action after recovering from a gash on his knee, says Town didn’t carry their first half performance into the second half, initially.

“We got a bit anxious on the ball, didn’t do what we were doing in the first half and unfortunately it cost us.

“The fact that we allowed ourselves to get into that situation probably needs to be looked at.

“Barring 20 minutes in the middle of that game there was only one team in it.”

Lee admitted it was nice to be back between the sticks after a frustrating time with injuries over the past year and a half.

But he analysed the second Carlisle goal with a note of regret.

“I look at my game and I know what I could have done better today.

“It was nice to get back out there, it’s been a frustrating season so far.

“On the whole the lads didn’t give me too much to do, I thought we defended well.

“I think the second goal I should probably save, they’re shots I’ve saved in the past.

“But the lads reacted well and we should have won the game.”

Lee says with Lester at the helm, players will have to shape up or ship out and he’s confident that the club can haul itself off the foot of the Football League.

“I’m a lot more confident, the new manager has come in and he won’t accept anything less than 100 per cent from everyone on and off the pitch.

“The club probably got a little bit loose in the past three seasons or so.

“I take my fair share of responsibility for that, maybe not getting on to a few of the younger lads and keeping them in check.

“Under this manager we’re only going in one direction because that’s what he’ll demand.

“And if you’re not going in that direction then you’ll be out the door.

“I’m not digging old managers out, we did well in spells under previous managers, but the passion the new manager has got is going to filter through to the lads.

“You either get on board with that or see you later.”