Carlisle United’s young players will shoulder the responsibility in the Fred Conway Cumberland Cup tonight – if the game beats the freeze.

The Blues are due to take on Carlisle City in the second round of the County Senior Cup.

Head coach Mike Williamson has suggested United will, as in the previous round, lean on their under-18 players to represent the club in the competition.

That is if that game at Gillford Park survives the freezing conditions which appear set in for the week.

City last night said the forecast had put the game in some doubt and that they would give an update as soon as possible.

United are due to face a City side managed by former Blues defender Dan Kirkup at 7.30pm this evening.

Asked after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bromley whether any senior players would be given an outing, Williamson told the News & Star: “We’ll just have to assess, because today was a huge effort.

“It's going to be the majority of the young lads, but we'll look at lads' minutes and see what we're like when we get back from this trip.”

United’s 2-0 first round win over Workington Juniors saw the Blues field an XI entirely made up of youth team players, with some younger academy players also in the squad.

Freddie O’Donoghue and Trent Chapman got the goals to see United progress.

City, meanwhile, booked their place in the second round with a victory over Cockermouth in September. Their squad includes a number of players with United connections such as Kieron Olsen, Liam Lightfoot, Keighran Kerr, Keelan Leslie, Jay Kelly, Kieron Blair and former Blues coach Jake Simpson.

If the weather puts paid to the tie it will require a rearrangement in the coming weeks.

Of further concern may be the effect of this week’s freezing conditions on both clubs’ forthcoming league games.

United are due to take on Doncaster Rovers at Brunton Park on Saturday, with current forecasts expecting the overnight temperatures to drop to -4C during the week, edging above freezing by Saturday morning.

City, in Northern League Division One, are due to host Kendal Town in a Cumbrian derby on Saturday.

Entry at Gillford Park tonight is £3 for over-18s and £1 for under-18s, with cash or card accepted on the gate.