Paul Simpson is calling for a “single-minded” approach from Carlisle United’s players at Charlton Athletic today.

The Blues head to The Valley (kick-off 3pm) aiming for a positive afternoon amid their seemingly inevitable slide to League One relegation.

United have lost nine of their last ten games and sit 15 points adrift of survival.

But a better day in south London can still offer a boost, manager Simpson said.

“It would give the supporters a lift and it would give the players a lift,” said the Carlisle boss.

“And obviously, it'll set us up for Tuesday night in a home fixture [against Barnsley].

“And so that's all we can do with it. There's no point concerning ourselves with anything else.

“The players have to be really single-minded, really focused and hope that we can go and show the best side of ourselves.”

United will be backed by an impressive travelling support of more than 800 at Charlton’s ground in spite of the Blues’ struggles at the foot of League One.

The Blue Army, on a 630-mile round trip for many, will watch Simpson’s side take on a home team who are unbeaten in six under new boss Nathan Jones, and whose side could include the former United defender Macaulay Gillesphey.

News and Star: Macaulay Gillesphey will face his former club with Charlton todayMacaulay Gillesphey will face his former club with Charlton today (Image: PA)

Carlisle’s supporters continue to give the side impressive backing during a season of struggle.

“I’ve said that all along – the supporters have been magnificent from the first day I came back into the club,” said Simpson.

“That's what I asked for when I first came back in.

“I think I heard earlier on in the week that [at home] we're averaging about 8,500, which is the highest home gates for about 45 years, apparently.

“Everything in terms of the commercial, the shop takings…all of that sort of stuff is up.

“And the football club is in a really good place in terms of everything barring the league table.

“This season's obviously been a disappointment, but we can't do anything about [what’s gone before]. Now we've just got to make sure we keep looking forward and trying to improve everything as we as we go along.”