Carlisle United players on suspension tightrope at Reading

Sam Lavelle, Jon Mellish and Owen Moxon are all one yellow card away from a ban with Jack Armer at similar risk.

But they will not be at risk if they avoid a booking tonight – as the five-booking rule only applies up to the 19th game of the league season.

Simpson said his players have kept their discipline well and hopes that remains the case in tonight’s showdown with League One’s bottom side (Select Car Leasing Stadium, 8pm).

“I’m saying to them, if you have to have a last ditch tackle, take somebody out and get a yellow I’ll take that, but I don’t want silly ones,” said the United boss.

“Because it’s the silly ones that annoy me – delaying the restart, kicking the ball away, petulant stuff.

“They need to make sure they keep with that discipline going into what will be a tough game.

Sam Lavelle, Saturday's goal hero, is among the United players on four bookings (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“If they get through it, after the run of games they’ve gone without picking [any more bookings] up, they can be pleased with what they’ve done.”

United can ill afford any more absentees given their recent injury and suspension woes.

The Blues are, though, boosted by the return of Joe Garner and Alfie McCalmont from bans tonight.

Carlisle’s first league encounter with Reading since 1982 and their first ever game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium gives United the opportunity to escape the relegation zone.

They face a Royals side bottom of the pile and five points below the Blues after being deducted four points amid financial troubles under owner Dai Yongge, whose reign has been the subject of fan protests.

Reading, though, picked up an impressive 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday

Simpson said United must ignore any troubles engulfing the home club and focus on performing to the best of their ability in Berkshire.

“It’s a really good stadium to go to, and a good occasion,” said Simpson.

Charlie Savage, right, the former Manchester United man and son of Robbie Savage, is in Reading's squad (Image: PA)

“They’re a big football club, Reading. Whatever’s gone on – they’ve obviously caused themselves some problems – we’ve got to forget about that and go and make sure we do our jobs properly.

“We’ve got to be ready for it.”

A midweek round trip of 661 miles faces Carlisle’s travelling fans – but Simpson says he knows his side will get good backing.

“I’m quite sure we will – we’ve had backing everywhere we’ve gone,” said the Blues boss, whose side will be watched by the Piatak family at the first away game under their ownership.

“Once the year goes out and we get into our away fixtures, I think every single one is a long trip. There’s no easy [journeys] after the Wigan game.

“It is what it is – we won’t complain about it, we’ve just got to get down there and be as well prepared as we possibly can be.”