Latics braced for tough test

AIDAN WHITE opened the scoring the last time tonight’s teams met.

CARLISLE United's run of form since their last meeting with Athletic has been miserable.

Though they recently reached the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for a record sixth time — albeit after stumbling past Huddersfield, losing 3-0 in the second leg while holding a four-goal advantage from the first — manager Greg Abbott's side have lost every one of their four games in all competitions following that dramatic 2-2 draw at Brunton Park three weeks ago.

Huddersfield also saw off Carlisle 2-0 at home in the league, struggling Walsall came away from their trip north with a 3-1 victory and on Saturday, United lost by the only goal of the game at Southampton.

That latest defeat didn't sit well with Abbott.

Carlisle were reduced to playing with 10 men for the majority of the game, as on-loan left-back Gary Borrowdale was sent off at St Mary's four minutes before half-time after picking up two bookings.

And Athletic manager Paul Dickov, who has since viewed a copy of that clash, believes United's manager has a right to feel a little aggrieved considering the performance his side produced.

"It will be a difficult game for us," said Dickov.

"I watched them against Southampton and thought they were unlucky even when down to 10 men.

"They battled well and I know Greg Abbott well enough to know that is one thing they will always do.

"I am sure their performance down there will give them some confidence."

Abbott described the decision to dismiss Borrowdale as 'unfair' and watched in frustration as Rickie Lambert headed home the winner, leaving Carlisle with a dismal record of one goal scored and nine conceded in their last four fixtures.

Borrowdale is suspended for tonight's game and the QPR player is likely to be replaced by Matty Robson.

It would perhaps be understandable if Dickov harboured some lingering resentment at the late, controversial penalty decision which cost his team three points the last time these two sides met.

Goals from Aidan White and Chris Taylor had appeared to set the visitors coasting to a win before a Francois Zoko strike and James Berrett's spot-kick snatched a draw.

But the Athletic boss prefers to concentrate on the task in hand — gaining a win and putting on a show for the extra fans expected to pile through the gates at Boundary Park tonight as a result of the £2 entry promotion.

"I want us to get three points playing in the right way and if we do that then I am sure that the fans will come back again," Dickov added.

"They want to see a team that goes out there and gives their all and that is what we aim to provide."



With entry to the Latics v Carlisle game tonight just £2, thanks to the generosity of

several local companies who have forked out up to £1,000 each, hopes are high of a sell-out crowd at Boundary Park.

And to make it a night to remember, fans are being urged to wear the Latics colours to turn the ground into a sea of blue.