Last updated 13:12, Thursday, 09 October 2008

John Ward said Carlisle United’s improved second-half display on Tuesday night had left him with “plenty to think about” – but one selection issue appears to have been settled.

Ben Williams

The performance of Ben Williams was by far the most encouraging feature of United’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit at Rochdale.

The goalkeeper had been widely tipped to make way for Chris Howarth at Spotland after coming under fire from supporters for a string of mistakes.

But his stunning efforts at Spotland, after Ward’s show of faith in the former Crewe custodian, mean that debate is over for now.

“I was always going to stick with Ben Williams on Tuesday, and I’m delighted that I did,” said Ward.

“That’s nothing against Chris Howarth, but Ben needed my support with the decision and he got that.

“He has vindicated that support from me and made me happy with that.”

The United boss made five changes at Rochdale, but couldn’t stop his team suffering another damaging setback, as they were turfed out of the cup 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

On the back of four straight league defeats, it’s far from ideal form to take into Saturday’s televised clash with MK Dons. But Ward is adamant Tuesday’s performance was not without encouragement, not least the goalscoring substitute’s contribution of Gary Madine.

“Gary has made an impact, which is what we were looking for,” said Ward of the 18-year-old striker, who now has two senior goals to his name and should be in Saturday’s squad.

“We had a fair amount of the ball but not enough shots – then Gary came on and hit one with a bit of spectacular stuff to it. It has done him the world of good.

“Jennison Myrie-Williams provided the first goal and had some impact, although he ran out of steam a bit in the second half. But he’s a young boy and a future footballer who’s going to be pretty good.

“Josh Gowling played at right-back – he was more a centre-back at Bournemouth but he has played there before. He got better as the game went on, as he got more used to the position. He gives me food for thought.”

Whoever gets the nod for Carlisle’s inaugural visit to stadium:mk, the Blues boss knows his team must show their best colours against last season’s League Two champions who have made a decent start to life in the third tier.

“We are going out on national television on Saturday, everyone will have a look at us and if we want people to think of us as a decent side – which we can be – that is a decent place to go and do it. It’s a tough game for us, but we’ve got to stand up and be counted at MK Dons.

“I’ve told the players that Tuesday’s second half has got to be the norm, because it hasn’t been lately. The approach to it was certainly more focused.

“This club has had a good reputation over the last four years, let alone during the period I’ve been here. That’s started to waver a little bit, so Saturday would be a nice time to put it back on track.

“We are being questioned at the moment, and we’ve got to stand up and answer those questions.”