Next Up: Carlisle United vs Exeter City

City’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end in front of Sky’s cameras at Portsmouth on Tuesday night, although those watching will have taken heart from a positive performance especially in the second half. Gary Caldwell’s side must now embark on the longest trip of the season for a second away match in four days. Sam Nombe was on the bench at Portsmouth but performed well after coming on and will hope to regain his place in the side, presumably at the expense of James Scott, but it’s difficult to envisage much other movement from Caldwell, although new signing Ilmari Niskanen should also be available following his move from Dundee United assuming his international clearance paperwork has gone through.

Having reappointed Paul Simpson as manager after a successful spell in charge nearly 20 years ago, Carlisle defied the odds to make it to League One via the playoffs. However, the Cumbrians’ summer business hasn’t exactly inspired the pundits who have predicted a long season and a battle against relegation. So far all four matches involving Carlisle have been tense affairs, two 1-1 draws (including against Wigan on Tuesday night) and two 1-0 defeats including a reverse to Harrogate in the EFL Cup. Owen Moxon was touted as one to watch, and he has scored both of Carlisle’s goals so far. A couple of loan signings have caught the eye – Luke Plange was playing for Derby in the Championship before being sold to Crystal Palace as Derby’s financial woes saw them stripped of a lot of young talent, while City supporters will be all too familiar with the goalkeeper who is likely to be warming the Cumbrians’ bench – Jokul Andresson having endured himself to the City faithful with his performances and general character during various loan spells at the club.

The last meetings between the sides took place in 21/22 – the corresponding fixture at Brunton Park saw City win a tense encounter 1-0 as they closed in on promotion, Padraig Amond scoring right at the death. The reverse fixture back in November ’21 saw Jon Mellish sent off for the visitors then second half goals from Nombe and Caprice (his first senior goal after the false start against Salford a few weeks previously) saw City lead 2-0 before a late goal from Jordan Gibson ensured a nervy finish. Those wins for City extended their lead in league head to heads to 28-20, with 17 matches finishing level.

The match day officials for this game will be:-

Referee: Adam Herczeg
Assistant Referees: Graeme Fyvie and Mark Cunliffe
Fourth Official: Wayne Grunnill

Adam Herczeg last took charge of an Exeter match last October, which was the 0-0 draw away to Derby County.

Away day guide to Carlisle United https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2023/august/carlisle-guide/

Last time we were at Brunton Park