Carlisle United boss looks ahead to Wigan Athletic test

The last Blues game of a memorable year will see a following of more than 4,000 fans back the Cumbrians at the DW Stadium (kick-off 7pm).

The game sees United desperate for a result to boost their survival chances after slipping to the bottom of League Two and five points adrift of the safety line.

Manager Simpson says a performance similar to United’s Boxing Day efforts at Fleetwood, coupled with a more clinical edge in the final third, can make it a positive away day.

“To get over 4,000 is absolutely fantastic,” said Simpson.

“Just like it was [on Tuesday]. We’ve got to perform like we did, and maybe go even better – be more clinical.

“If we can do that we can make it another good away day.”

Carlisle, after eight league games without a win, need to start making more positive inroads on the table and avoid the risk of being left further adrift.

Carlisle will have a huge away following at Wigan's DW Stadium tonight (Image: PA)

Their first ever trip to the DW Stadium sees them take on a Latics side who sit 19th after three straight defeats.

Shaun Maloney’s side, who began with an eight point deduction, impressed at Brunton Park in their early-season 1-1 draw but have not yet been able to march up the table.

“I’m sure they’ll be as disappointed as we are that they [like us] haven’t been able to kick on,” said Simpson.

“But it’s a game that we’ve just got to approach in the way that we do and hope that we’re able to go and perform in it.”

Simpson, having made five changes for the Fleetwood draw, is likely to hand young Cumbrian keeper Gabe Breeze his second outing tonight a day before he turns 20.

Among those hoping to keep his place, meanwhile, will be striker Ryan Edmondson, who gave an energetic attacking performance on Boxing Day on his first league start since August.

Simpson says the forward can take encouragement from his efforts and hopes he can capitalise with another positive showing against Wigan.

“He showed great energy, that’s the big thing – that’s what I want him to do, and to stay down the middle of the pitch and affect it,” said Simpson.

“The chances that he got against Fleetwood came because he was in the middle of the pitch

“It’s a tough job when you’re playing as a striker up against two centre-backs. I thought he gave us a real good platform. Hopefully he’ll get even stronger for that.”

United yesterday announced they had sold out their initial 4,010 allocation, with a further 500 tickets available on the gate at Wigan tonight.