Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must respond to today’s vocal backing by putting on a performance against Barrow.
The all-Cumbrian clash at Holker Street sees the Blues aiming to take another big step towards League Two safety.
Barrow’s ground will be packed for their first home league encounter with Carlisle in front of fans since 1964.
And Simpson, whose team will be roared on by more than 600 Blues fans, wants his players to relish the occasion.
“They certainly enjoyed a tense and noisy atmosphere at Brunton Park last weekend when we had over 8,000 [against Northampton],” the manager said.
“It’s not something that they’ve never seen before, but we know our supporters will turn up and give us some backing.
“It’s up to us as a group that the performance keeps them shouting and happy at the end of the game.”
United start the weekend nine points clear of the relegation zone, and three ahead of Mark Cooper’s Barrow.
The Carlisle boss has selection decisions to make after Tuesday’s defeat to Newport, with Kristian Dennis, Jack Armer and Jon Mellish all hoping for recalls.
Barrow are without the suspended Tom Beadling, with ex-United youth midfielder Tom White a candidate to replace him.
Former Blues players Paul Farman and Patrick Brough are also likely to start for the hosts.
Simpson expects a tough encounter and one his team must approach in the right way.
“There will be a few of them who haven’t been to Barrow’s stadium so they won’t know what to expect, but they’ll learn very quickly,” he said.
“They’ll realise during the warm-up what it’s like and get used to the surface.
“It’s about starting the game right. We’ve got to start properly and get right about them.
“I fully expect Mark Cooper to have his players wound up and ready for it. We’ve got to make sure we play with some controlled aggression and take the game to them.
“If we do that then hopefully the ability will come through as well.”
Simpson started his second United reign with four straight wins before Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newport.
Reflecting on that, the Blues manager added: “I don’t think it’s told me anything new – I think the league position could tell me already there was a level of inconsistency there.
“The teams up at the top of the league, they are consistent. Teams like Forest Green have done it – I know they’re having a bit of a hiccup now – but they’ve been consistent for the majority of the season.
“Northampton, Newport…they have a consistent way of playing, and the players play to a certain level. It might not be a 9/10 every week but it might be a 7/10 and that’s what they’ve done really well.
“Unfortunately for us we haven’t been consistent as a team over the 36 games.
“[Tuesday] showed me that’s still there in the locker, but the big thing is it’s how we react now, and make sure it is a blip and not a run.”
READ MORE: When Barrow AFC battled Carlisle United - 58 years ago!
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