Paul Simpson has urged Carlisle United to be quicker out of the blocks in order to make Sunday’s play-off clash with Bradford City a night to remember.

The Blues, backed by sell-out travelling support, head to Valley Parade (kick-off 7pm) in the hope of making a positive start to their League Two semi-final.

The huge occasion, which pits Simpson’s United against Mark Hughes’ Bantams, will see United aiming to reach halfway in the tie in a good position.

But in order to do that they will have to start the game better than they have in recent weeks, according to the manager.

Simpson’s side have had to come from behind in their most recent two League Two games, which resulted in defeat to Salford City and a draw at Sutton United.

In only one of their last six games did the Cumbrians score a first-half goal, and beginning well in west Yorkshire will be crucial, Simpson said.

“We have to start games better,” United’s boss said.

“When we’ve done well this season we’ve started games really strong and taken games to the opposition.

“That’s what we need to do away at Bradford.

“We’re not good enough where we can give teams a goal start. We’ve shown that over the season. We now have an opportunity to make sure we start the next game properly.

“We have to make sure we’re still involved in it come the end of that first tie and get ourselves ready for it.”

Carlisle are taking a bumper 2,440 travelling support to Valley Parade for the televised first-leg clash.

The Bantams are also expected to get close to a sell-out in the home sections as the two clubs jostle for a place in the Wembley final.

Before Sunday’s encounter, the other League Two semi-final gets under way with the first leg between Salford City and Stockport County at the Peninsula Stadium on Saturday night.

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