Paul Simpson has challenged Carlisle United to continue proving there is “life” in their season against Lincoln City today.
The Blues are back on home soil for their Easter Monday game (Brunton Park, 3pm) boosted by a fine victory at Peterborough United three days ago.
Carlisle take on another promotion-chaser at a time their own survival hopes remain slim.
But manager Simpson says another good showing can amount to a “valuable” offering for United’s home fans in the latter stages of a struggling season.
“We’ve got to take confidence from [Friday], take belief,” said Simpson.
“Because we showed that there's some life there, whether or not there's enough games left for that life to count for anything.
“But if the only thing it does is get some respect back and a bit of pride back then that's a real valuable thing.”
United, 13 points from safety with six games to go, encounter a Lincoln side who, under Michael Skubala, have won their last four games and scored 17 goals in the process to break into the play-off places. The Imps' goalkeeper is the former Blues loanee Lukas Jensen.
For Carlisle, it is a matter of ending 2023/24 on the most positive note they can even if a return to League Two appears all but inevitable.
The drop could even be confirmed today if they lose and results elsewhere go against United.
But after good showings against two strong sides in Stevenage and Peterborough, Simpson wants Carlisle to keep fighting – and showing further improvement in performance.
“We have to build on it for this season, not next,” added Simpson, who has been assessing Taylor Charters’ hamstring injury following the win at Posh, and is set to onclude Georgie Kelly in the squad for his first home game. “We have to do something in front of our own fans.
“The performance at Peterborough was a reward for the players, but the massive bulk of our fans weren’t able to see it.
“So against Lincoln we’ve got to perform in the same sort of manner, because they’re another top team – in form and scoring goals.
“If we go about it like we did [at Peterborough] then I’m sure our fans will be pleased with it.”
This afternoon is set to see extra colour on the terraces and stands as part of supporters' trust CUOSC'S 'retro shirt day'. Fans are being encouraged to wear shirts from past United eras in what is hoped will become an annual initiative.
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