Bogey team Harrogate Town provide the opposition for Carlisle United this afternoon at Wetherby Road.
Opposition manager Simon Weaver is looking for an upbeat performance that his team can carry into the new season when it starts next week.
The League Two side will be playing their fifth and final pre-season friendly before they start in earnest at Bristol Rovers.
It’s hardly been an encouraging build-up for Weaver’s men as they have scored just one goal in six hours of football and losing each of their last two matches by 3-0.
Weaver was particularly unimpressed by their last display against League One Barnsley.
It prompted him to demand more from his players, and insists they have to step it up a gear against Carlisle, now a National League outfit.
He told the club website: “I want to see a faster start than there was against Barnsley.
“We have got to show our ability on the ball more frequently; we have got to start putting chances away, and we have to keep the back door shut.
“We have to demand better because we are only two weeks away from the start of the season.”
Weaver has been given a boost ahead of Carlisle’s visit with news that two key players are almost certain to return.
Influential central midfielder Ben Fox and versatile club captain Warren Burrell have recently recovered from minor injury setbacks.
Weaver said: “It’s a big boost for us. Both were talismen for us towards the end of last season and they will be champing at the bit to be involved, that’s for sure.”
