Carlisle United boss on need for good display v Barrow AFC

A bumper crowd is expected for the first home league game of the season.

It will see Brunton Park’s East Stand and Warwick Road End back open after a summer of major refurbishments.

The ‘derby’ encounter also sees United in need of a confidence-boosting victory after defeats in their first two games in league and cup.

They take on a Barrow side who have won their opening two fixtures.

It promises to be a big occasion at United’s ground and manager Simpson wants the team’s display to live up to it.

“It's our first home league game. It's huge for us. Regardless of whether it was a local derby or not, it'd be a fantastic game,” said Simpson.

“We're expecting the Warwick Road End to be completed and open for the supporters. We're expecting five or six of the new exec boxes to be open and the East Stand open.

“I remember when we played them when we were in League Two last time [a 5-1 Carlisle win in January 2023], it was a Tuesday night and it was a fantastic atmosphere on the night.

Carlisle's last home clash with Barrow saw a memorable 5-1 win in 2023 in front of 9,351 fans (Image: Ben Holmes)

“We've got to make sure that we put on a performance that's worthy of that atmosphere.”

Barrow have not beaten Carlisle in league football since 1960, with their last win at Brunton Park coming in 1959.

Stephen Clemence’s side will visit Brunton Park on the front foot having defeated Crewe Alexandra in their League Two opener and then knocked Port Vale out of the Carabao Cup.

Carlisle, meanwhile, are seeking their first positive result after losing to Gillingham in the league and Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.

Simpson concedes that there is plenty of pressure and expectation on the game but added: “There's always that. When you're at home, there's always an expectation that you want to get that first win.

“The first win is always the toughest so let's hope we can get a performance that gets us it this weekend.”

United’s manager, who is continuing his efforts to strengthen his squad, is assessing Georgie Kelly after the striker complained of a sore groin at half-time on Tuesday night, despite the Irish forward being an unused substitute.

Simpson could recall Ben Williams on the left as he tries to plot a positive afternoon, with the game also live on Sky with a 12.30pm kick-off.

United’s boss says that, despite back-to-back defeats, he has seen enough to encourage him that a more rounded overall display is coming.

“Absolutely – and I've been encouraged throughout pre-season by the way the players have gone about it,” Simpson said.

“I still think we need a couple of additions but we've got a really good group here.

“There's a desire and a determination that anybody who was here [on Tuesday] can see that the players are doing everything they can for the shirt.”