Paul Simpson's calls for Carlisle United to grab Grimsby Town game 'by scruff of the neck'

The Blues boss is calling for an improved showing in the rearranged game at Blundell Park.

And Simpson says Carlisle’s ability to take advantage of their opportunity tonight will underline whether they are ready to become League Two contenders.

This evening’s fixture is the only match in the division – and victory can put the Blues eighth.

Manager Simpson said: “If we want to be up there, we’ve got a great opportunity to go and get three points when nobody else is playing.

“It’s a game we’ve got to catch up and we have to do it properly.

READ MORE: Carlisle United fans in pictures at Newport!

“We’re going to a place, like we were [on Saturday at Newport], where they’re struggling to get a win at home – and we have to go and grab it by the scruff of the neck and strangle it as much as we can.”

Grimsby, two places above United in tenth, have yet to win at home this season in the league, while the Blues are seeking a first away win.

The game is the second attempt at the fixture after last month’s match was abandoned midway through the first half because of a waterlogged pitch.

Morgan Feeney, second left, is being assessed ahead of tonight's trip (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson has been checking on the fitness of Morgan Feeney and Omari Patrick in the hope both players can return tonight.

There seems little cause to look anxiously at the weather tonight, meanwhile, with a dry evening in prospect at Blundell Park.

United’s manager was critical of his side’s display in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Newport County.

And he says he wants his team to put on a better show for travelling fans, some of whom are returning tonight on coaches paid for by Blues’ owners.

“It’s a huge game,” said Simpson.

READ MORE: What did we learn from Carlisle's draw at Newport?

“It’s a game we didn’t do particularly well in the short period we were there last time.

“We’ve got to go there and be better than we were last time and on Saturday. It’s a really good opportunity.

“They lost at home on Saturday and they’ll be under a bit of pressure to get a result.

“We’ve got to go there and be better than we were in the first half at Newport. If we do that I think we’ve got enough to get results.

“I told the players at the end of Saturday’s game, in front of our supporters, that if they want to do well they have to come to places like [Newport] and Grimsby and be better.

“We have to start properly and hopefully that’s what we’re going to go and do.”