UP FOR THE CUP
Carlisle boss Keith Curle will not underestimate St Albans City
CARLISLE United are arguably the form team in the entire country, but manager Keith Curle won’t be taking St Albans City for granted this afternoon.
The Cumbrians have won 11 games, drawn seven and lost one so far this season. Their sole defeat came in a penalty shoot-out – 14-13 against Championship outfit Derby after a 1-1 draw in the EFL Cup second round.
In October, the League Two outfit enjoyed six straight wins and they lie second in the table, tucked in behind leaders Plymouth.
Threats
All seems hunky-dory, but former England defender Curle has been around too long to expect an easy victory against National League South high-flyers St Albans, who are managed by former Arsenal winger Ian Allinson, at Clarence Park.
The 52-year-old former Manchester City and Wolves centre-back said: “If we go there thinking that it’s a foregone conclusion and we are going to roll over St Albans, we are going to be mistaken.
“They’ve scored ten goals in their last two league games (5-1 at Bishop’s Stortford and 5-0 at home against Truro) and we are well aware they have attacking threats.
“They have players that have played professionally and they will have good standards. They’re at home and they’ll think everything is set up for a cup upset.
“But we’ve created a very demanding environment and we create challenges for the players – by setting this cup-tie as a challenge, it takes that fear element away. The players know what they have to do.”
Aside from manager Allinson, St Albans have another Arsenal connection. Striker Sam Merson, 21, is the son of former Arsenal star, Paul, who won the Cup with the Gunners in 1993. And Merson the younger believes they can give Carlisle a headache on their visit to Hertfordshire. “It’s a great game for the club,” he said. “I think home advantage could be really important Clarence Park is a very traditional Non-League ground and we’ve got to make use of the fact they’re more used to going to bigger stadiums with better facilities. “Carlisle are clearly a really strong team but we’re playing well ourselves and I don’t think they’ll have it all their own way. Clearly we’re underdogs but I think we’ll have a great crowd behind us and they’ll give us a bit extra. “I’m also glad it’s at our place because my dad will come and watch! He’s got his ticket and it will be the first time he’s been down this season because his job at Sky is every Saturday.”
As for Curle, he will be hoping to keep Merson jnr quiet after coming up against his dad in his own playing days.
Clever
“Paul was a very clever player,” he said, “and he had a great understanding of the game. He was a player who played to his strengths and abilities.
“You would rarely have a physical battle with him because that wasn’t the sort of game he relished. He liked to find space to operate in – if you gave him space, he would hurt you.”
The tie is one of nine taking place this afternoon. Other EFL sides visiting Non-League opposition are Notts County (at Boreham Wood), Newport County (at Alfreton Town) and Rochdale (at Maidstone United).
League One promotion-challengers Sheffield United host Leyton Orient, while 1987 winners Coventry visit Morecambe. Hartlepool host Stamford and Blackpool entertain Kidderminster Harriers. Taunton Town are at home to Barrow in an all-Non-League clash.
League One outfit Fleetwood Town are away to National League side Southport tomorrow night.