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Match Previews

OPPOSITION PREVIEW | Carlisle United

A closer look at Saturday's visitors as the Cumbrians make the journey south to West Sussex

28 September 2017

Match Previews

OPPOSITION PREVIEW | Carlisle United

A closer look at Saturday's visitors as the Cumbrians make the journey south to West Sussex

28 September 2017

The Reds look to get back to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they host Carlisle United at the Checkatrade Stadium.

We take a detailed look at last season's play-off semi-finalists, including their form this campaign, our previous encounters, one to watch and the man at the helm.

A similar start...

The Cumbrians sit just two places above the Reds in 17th place, and with just one more point.

They hadn't won in five league games before their resounding 5-0 victory away to Crewe Alexandra last weekend, after making a good start to the season, winning two out of their first three.

It seemed United had got back to winning ways, however lost 2-0 at home to Stevenage three days later.

Previous meetings...

Saturday's opponents boast the better record in this fixture, losing to the Reds just once, drawing four times and winning three.

Crawley's only victory was the first time the two sides met in the Football League, and was back in September 2012.

The Reds had just begun their debut season in League One, and picked up a 2-0 win in Cumbria, with Nathan Byrne and Nicky Adams on the scoresheet.

The following three fixtures all ended square, meaning United have never beaten Crawley in the third tier.

However following both sides' relegation to League Two, the Blues won the next three, 3-1, 1-0 and 3-1 respectively.

The most recent encounter took place five months ago and ended 3-3 in what was a thrilling game at the Checkatrade Stadium.

The significance of this game was that it secured the Reds' Football League status, and it was done in dramatic style.

The hosts had led 2-0 after just 20 minutes thanks to a James Collins brace, however surrendered the lead and somehow found themselves 3-2 down with half an hour to go.

The game looked to be heading to defeat, until Jimmy Smith volleyed home in the 90th minute to salvage the point needed to guarantee safety.

 

Who to keep an eye on...

Reggie Lambe has enjoyed a good start to the season, already contributing four goals from midfield.

The Bermuda International was a regular fixture as well last season, helping his side to the play-off semi-finals.

The 26-year old has played for six different teams, including two seasons in the MLS for Toronto FC.

In the hot seat...

Keith Curle has been in charge at for three years, and is the fifth longest serving manager currently in League Two.

Curle's current post is his fifth in management, having previous been in charge at Notts County, Torquay United, Chester City and Mansfield Town, the latter being a player-manager role.

The 53-year old enjoyed a nomadic playing career which saw him play at as many as 10 different clubs over an impressive 24 years.

The former defender played in the top flight with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City, and even has three caps for England, one of which came at Euro '92 against Denmark.

Still need a ticket?

Fans can purchase tickets for Saturday's game here.


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