Carlisle United take on Haragote Town tonight in the league as they look to extend their unbeaten run to six games and climb closer to the Play off places, Harragote they too, are looking to extend an unbeaten run to eight matches and close the gap on first place.

The Teams

Carlisle United: Rob Elliott’s side just about managed to crawl over the finish line on Saturday in a match that summed up Carlisle this season pretty well; the first half was, in the polite way possible, a disgrace, an “utter shan” so to speak, slow, tedious and the energy of a sloth. The Blues were deservedly losing by half time.

However, the second half was fantastic in comparison to the first, not perfect by the standards expected but certainly an improvement, and the team was rewarded for the efforts, and that’s all that supporters want, for the players and coaches to show a bit of respect not just for the club but for themselves and show some passion. It’s a big effort tonight for the team and Rob, but if they show some fight and passion, you never know what can happen – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Harrogate Town: Well, the most poshest town in North England rolls into town tonight with the recently new ownership of the club. Simon Weaver, the longest-serving manager in the top six tiers of English football (since 2009), has also bought shares in the club for those who missed the news (Michael Knighton, of course, appointed himself manager when he owned the Blues)

But why wouldn’t you, Harragote, look on a strong side this year and look like the only opposition to league leaders Boreham Wood? The Sulphurites will be looking at an unstable Carlisle with slavering chops just like how a lion sees prey; they will be looking for an effortless, indifferent strike.

Prediction

I’m sticking my neck out, but what the heck? I’m going for a Carlisle 2-1 victory and putting this Harragote curse nonsense to bed and beginning the fight for the playoffs; that could be my heart talking.

Blues News

Blues News is a round-up of all the headlines that have caught the author’s eye since the previous fixture

Callum Camps has joined the Blues on a two-month loan deal from Stockport County. With other 400 appearances, the midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the Blues; this is what Rob Elliot had to say

“When you get the opportunity to sign someone with Callum’s experience at this level, you can’t turn that down. 
“I think his experience will really help some of the young midfielders we’ve got, strengthen the squad and really add quality in terms of on the ball and around the goal. 

“I think sometimes when you have that opportunity to bring in a top professional who’s played 300-400 games and has been at a high level, it really is something you can’t not do as a coach and as a club. I think he’ll bring brilliant experience and know-how as to how you perform at levels consistently.”

He will wear shirt number 32 and is eligible for this evening

Club captain Morgan Feeney has extended his stay at Carlisle United, securing him until 2029; this is what he had to say

 “I’m really happy to commit my future to Carlisle United for another two years. It’s been something I’ve wanted to sort out for a while, and I’m delighted we’ve finally got it done. 
“This club means a lot to me, and being able to continue representing and captaining Carlisle United is something I’m proud of. I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard and helping the team progress. 

“This is a massive club with an incredible fan base who follow us in numbers everywhere; that doesn’t go unnoticed and is appreciated more than they know.
“I want to do all I can to help the club get back to where it belongs in the EFL and give the fans what they deserve, a club and a team to be proud of.”

We will have more tomorrow on both of those new deals