Next Up: Exeter City v Carlisle United
It took a late equaliser, but City managed to preserve their excellent unbeaten record with a point against high-flying Burton in their rearranged match last Saturday, and will look to extend this with victory over a team in the doldrums this coming weekend. Scot Bennett returned to the bench at the expense of the ill Ryan Harley, and Harley’s return to fitness will cause a few selection headaches. James Hamon has 
continued in goal and having put in a largely faultless display against Burton will expect to keep his place meaning Christy Pym will have to be patient. Clinton Morrison made his City debut off the bench against Burton but the ex-Ireland international will expect to remain on the bench with the Cummins/Nichols/Nicholls front line taking shape.
Following relegation from League One last season it’s fair to say Carlisle didn’t expect to be in the midst of another relegation battle. However, like Tranmere they have struggled to get started, culminating in an early change of manager. Keith Curle initially seemed to be turning the Cumbrians’ fortunes around but inconsistency has plagued his side and they visit the Park on Saturday on the back of six defeats in their last eight matches in all competitions.
City welcome back an old friend on Saturday with the news that Troy Archibald-Henville, something of a 
cult hero during his time at City, is expected to be back in the line-up after an injury layoff. Troy has struggled for fitness since leaving City, mainly due to his troublesome knee, and even when fit is now considered only available for one game per week at most, which is very sad news for someone who regularly impresses both on and off the pitch – and no doubt if he does take the field he’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome from a City support that is usually very generous to returning heroes.
It says something for Carlisle’s malaise this season that their top scorer with six goals is a defender (Brad Potts) but Derek Asamoah has been in good form with five goals in seven matches and David Amoo is a tricky customer who will need to be watched closely.
The last time the sides were in the same division was the 11/12 relegation season. The match at the Park was a 0-0 bore draw, while it was an altogether sadder occasion in Cumbria for City as a 4-1 trouncing confirmed relegation back to League Two. It is City, however, who hold the upper hand in overall league head-to-heads with 20 wins to Carlisle’s 16 (14 draws).
Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/12/11/match-officials-exeter-city-v-carlisle-united/