By John Lyons

UP FOR THE CUP: Hallam Hope scores Carlisle’s opener in their FA Cup replay win against Gillingham
PICTURE: Action Images

IT’S taken some time, but manager Keith Curle reckons his Carlisle side are now reaping the rewards for all their hard graft this season.
Reaching the League Two play-offs last term – the Cumbrians suffered a heart-breaking 6-5 aggregate loss to Exeter in the semifinals – raised expectations at Brunton Park. In some ways, that was understandable as, under Curle’s leadership, the Cumbrians have progressed year on year: from 2...