Chris Kiwomya was happy with his side’s determination in Saturday’s scrappy 1-0 win over Carlisle United at Meadow Lane.
Despite registering only one shot on target, the Magpies came away with all three points and closed the gap on the top six to eight points.
Alan Judge’s delightful 35th minute chip proved to be enough but only because of crucial defensive blocks and a series of top saves from goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
“It was a difficult game for us, they stopped us, pressed us high and were very good at closing us down,” said the first team manager.
“We tried to play but we couldn’t play, so we had to start playing off the second balls.
‘When you play off second balls, it’s a gamble of where the ball’s going to drop.
“But, credit to the lads, they kept going and sometimes you need everybody to play their part.
“The back three were excellent, with the clearances and headers, and the goalkeeper was Man of the Match – he was unbelievable.
“We’ve played a lot better than that and not won, so we showed a lot of character out there and I’m very happy for the lads.”
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