Carlisle City are expecting a big crowd tonight at Gillford Park for their Northern League derby with Penrith (ko 7.45pm).
As well as three points at stake there’s also the chance of a psychological advantage ahead of their Fred Conway County Cup semi-final on the same ground in three week’s time.
Both come into it on the back of mid-week defeats – City at home to Division Two Boldon in the Brooks Mileson League (on penalties) and Penrith, 2-1 losers at Thornaby.
Form often goes out of the window in derby matches and this will be no exception with Penrith now managed by ex-Carlisle City boss Jim Nichols.
Dan Kirkup, one of his key players during his time at Gillford Park, is now manager of the Sky Blues.
As far as the Division One table is concerned there’s not a lot between them as they both battle to finish in the top half of the table.
City are 12th with 35 points from 27 games and Penrith are directly behind on 33 points from 28 games.
Penrith will be without recent signing Robbie Ivison as his wife is due to give birth while Matty Bell is away.
Bell was sent off at the end of the game at Thornaby on Tuesday but his suspension doesn’t start until Tuesday.
City boss Kirkup will be thinking hard on his team selection after using several players short of game time in Tuesday’s Cup-tie. The regulars are likely to return.
Kendal Town are on the road tomorrow when they travel to West Auckland, another key fixture in the battle to make the play-offs.
The Mintcakes are third with 51 points from 27 games but their hosts are very much in the picture.
Lying seventh on 42 points but have two games in hand on Kendal and have also matches to make up on all the teams ahead of them.
Kendal played last night in the Brooks Mileson League Cup against Newcastle University and unsurprisingly, in view of their important league game on Saturday, is was a very young and inexperienced side selected by Matt Flynn.
In the end the game was decided by a solitary late goal for the university, who lie mid-table in the Northern League’s Division Two.
