Next Up: Carlisle Utd vs Exeter City

After City entertained the watching public with a 3-3 draw against struggling Stevenage last Sunday, it’s back on the road for one of the longest trips of the season for Paul Tisdale’s side and a match that promises again to be high scoring. The injury list remains prohibitive, although it would appear everyone who played last weekend came through unscathed and the likes of Ryan Harley, Manny Oyeleke and Will Hoskins will be back in contention before long.

Carlisle, having struggled for most of last season, have begun the new campaign in promising fashion, backed by new investment, and Keith Curle’s side has certainly been entertaining, with 44 goals in total scored in their first 12 matches. The Cumbrians’ home record has been consistently inconsistent, with a perfectly symmetrical record of W2 D2 L2 F12 A12 after their 3-2 reverse against Morecambe last week. Key to their form in front of goal has been Jabo Ibehre with 10 goals in all competitions, but he hasn’t featured since limping off early in their surprise defeat to Newport at the end of September. Derek Asamoah has six in all competitions and will need to be watched, while City fans will no doubt hope Troy Archibald-Henville features – the former City defender is used on and off by Curle due to ongoing knee problems.

This fixture last season was very profitable for City who claimed the maximum six points – the corresponding fixture in March saw City win 3-1 – Harley put City ahead only for Rigg to equalise. Harley put City back ahead before Sercombe sealed the points in the last minute. City won 2-0 at the Park back in December with goals from Bennett and Grimes. Overall City hold a comfortable lead in the league head to head with 22 wins to Carlisle’s 16 (14 draws).

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2015/10/13/match-officials-carlisle-united-vs-exeter-city/

Ground Guide: http://www.exeweb.com/2012/04/15/20/