Paul Simpson says Carlisle United’s players must keep their heads today in the highly-charged ‘derby’ atmosphere against Barrow AFC.

The Blues host the south Cumbrians today (kick-off 12.30pm) with a big crowd expected and the live Sky cameras present.

United are desperate for a positive afternoon having lost their first two games of 2024/25 and waiting for a first home win since New Year’s Day.

A major boost will come if they can deliver it this afternoon – and manager Simpson says clear heads are needed in order to achieve the result Carlisle want.

“One of the big things I always say is ‘keep our discipline’ and that's what we have to do – we've got to have a disciplined performance,” he said.

“Everybody knows exactly what their role is for the team and everybody has to go out and do it – and if we do that, or even if we have seven or eight of our players doing their jobs properly, it'll go a long way to earning us a result.”

Barrow, who have won their opening two fixtures under new boss Stephen Clemence, are seeking a first league win over United since 1960 and a first victory at Brunton Park since 1959.

A bumper Brunton Park crowd is expected todayA bumper Brunton Park crowd is expected today (Image: Ben Holmes)

Carlisle, who thrashed the Bluebirds 5-1 on their last Brunton meeting in January 2023, will see their Brunton Park ground fully open again with home supporters back in the renovated East Stand and Warwick Road End.

Simpson knows his side will receive strong backing from supporters and it is the team’s duty to give everything.

“They came in the numbers on Tuesday night as well [for the Stoke City tie in the Carabao Cup], and to see the Paddock and Main Stand full was absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“We all know [about the support]. We know we need to get results – there’s no point just talking about it – and getting that first one will be big for us.

“On that night [in 2023] we had some luck as well, because Barrow played really well to start the game, and Mells [Jon Mellish] was probably offside for the first goal.

“We had that little bit of luck on that night, and then in second half we absolutely went away with the game and it was an emphatic victory.

“If that's what it is and we need some luck this weekend, and we need an offside decision to go our way, then we'll absolutely take that. 

“We've just got to do everything we possibly can to make it a really good day for us as players and staff but also for our supporters who come.”

Ben Williams, centre, could come back into the United side todayBen Williams, centre, could come back into the United side today (Image: Ben Holmes)

Simpson is likely to recall Ben Williams to his starting line-up for a home league debut today with the new signing having been a substitute on Tuesday night.

The left wing-back joined United ahead of last weekend’s league opener at Gillingham where he impressed on debut.

“He's fine, he's fit and available,” said Simpson of the ex-Barnsley and Cheltenham Town man.

“You have to be careful in terms of putting them into a match where the load is obviously a lot higher than training.

“Because of the quick turnaround of games you don't get a lot of chance to really build that core fitness – but he'll be fit for [today’s game] and hopefully he'll get even fitter through the games programme that we have.”

Georgie Kelly (groin) is also expected to be available for the Cumbrians.

Follow our live blog from today's big Brunton Park clash from 10.30am.