Carlisle United Vs Preston North End Match Preview
Npower League One Tuesday 20th March 2012
Venue: Brunton Park
Kick Off: 19:45
Referee: Carl Boyeson (click here for referee statistics)
Form:
Carlisle United: LWLWWD
Preston North End: LLDDLW
It’s amazing what a difference a win can bring as already the dark clouds have seemingly begun to lift over Preston North End following Saturday’s 2-1 win over Exeter.
With some fans still daring to dream of a possible top-6 place, a win at Carlisle United, who have playoff aspirations themselves, would narrow the gap down to eight points.
The Cumbrians, however, are unbeaten in their last three and haven’t lost at home since September.
Another virtuosic performance from main-man Iain Hume could be the difference if the Lilywhites were to pick up all three points.
Previous Meetings (Click here for head-to-head stats)
Carlisle’s visit to Deepdale on Boxing Day resulted in a 3-3 draw in a game that proved to be quite the thriller.
Lee Miller put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot inside 20 minutes before Iain Hume levelled just two minutes later.
Paul Parry netted a spot kick of his own to see the game swing in North End’s favour just after the half-hour mark.
However, Francois Zoko, who ran North End ragged that afternoon, levelled deep into time added on in the first half to see the game all square heading into the break.
James Berrett restored United’s lead before youngster Jamie Douglas, who had only been on the field a matter of minutes, scored a dramatic equaliser and incidentally his first ever senior goal .
North End’s last trip to Brunton Park, on Friday 17th October 1997, saw the Lilywhites come away with all three points.
Goals from Gary Parkinson and Lee Ashcroft gave the Lilywhites a 2-0 win to take back to Lancashire.
Team News
North End have no fresh injury concerns heading into the trip to Brunton Park.
Neil Mellor is due back in full training next week meaning the former Liverpool man will have to wait just that little bit longer for his return.
After completing 45 minutes at St James Park on Saturday, George Miller will be hoping he did enough to earn a start in the centre of midfield for North End.
As for North End’s opponents, Rory Loy (broken leg), Paul Thirlwell (calf) and Matt Robson (back) are all ruled out.
Played for Both, click here