Greg Abbott saluted his central-defenders after Carlisle nabbed a 2-1 win at Hartlepool in League One on Saturday afternoon.
Former Pools midfielder Matty Robson scored an 85th-minute winner at Victoria Park, but Abbott felt Peter Murphy and Mike Edwards set the standard.
"We always felt we could be in the game at 1-0 and the energy and determination kept us going, it can see us though the season," said the Cumbrians boss.
"The two centre-halves were outstanding. Steve Howard was a real problem and they coped to keep it at one.
"We asked the centre halves to be tough - they were. Peter Murhpy went off with a cut forehead and, for his good looks it will upset him - for a centre half he is far too handsome."
James Poole put Pools ahead but Danny Cadamarteri levelled and the hosts had Neil Austin sent off before Robson had the final word.
