Carlisle loss 'a big learning curve' for Truro City

Truro City have taken four points from their first eight games in National League South

Truro City manager John Askey hopes his side can learn from their 3-0 loss at Carlisle United.

The 878-mile round-trip to Cumbria was the longest away journey of the season in English league football - although Gateshead's trip to the Cornish club next month will overtake that record.

Askey's side conceded twice inside the first 15 minutes at Brunton Park before conceding a third after an hour as Carlisle cemented third place in the National League.

It was a sixth defeat in eight league games for Truro since winning National League South last season as they dropped to second-from-bottom of the table.

"These games will improve us," Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"You have to work harder - players don't just make one run, they make two, three - Carlisle never stopped running all game and you've got to stay with them.

"So it's a big learning curve for us and we can only get better from playing the likes of Carlisle."

All of Truro's players showed their appreciation to the 78 away fans that made the near 900 mile round-trip to Carlisle

With vastly differing budgets and history, Askey is realistic that Carlisle - who were relegated from League Two last season - are operating at a different level to Truro, who only became full-time this summer.

He says his side's focus will be on the sides in and around his own as they continue to adapt to their first season in the top tier of non-league football.

"It's always been a tough place to come, Carlisle," added Askey.

"They've got players who have done well in league football and so it's tough and we've not got to get too down on ourselves.

"We've got to pick ourselves up now and realise that they're going to be up there come the end of the season and we've got to concentrate on the games where we've got a real good chance of beating teams."