Carlisle United Vs Preston North End Match Preview
Johnstone's Paint Trophy Tuesday 4th September 2012
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Brunton Park
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Betting Odds: Carlisle 5/4 Preston 8/5
Form:
Carlisle United: WDLWWL
Preston North End: WDLDWW
North End look to put the gloss on a tremendous week by advancing into the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by seeing off the challenge of Carlisle United.
Two consecutive 4-1 wins has got the Deepdale faithful salivating over the enterprising and penetrating football on offer, running out of superlatives in the process.
A stern a test as any is a trip to Brunton Park to take on the 2011 Johnstone's Paint Trophy winners Carlisle, a side that the Lilywhites failed to beat on two occasions last term.
The Cumbrians welcome Graham Westley's men on the back of a defeat to the in-form MK Dons but can boast back-to-back wins prior to Saturday's defeat, booking their place in the Capital One Cup 3rd round at the expense of Championship outfit Ipswich Town in the process.
Previous Meetings (click here for head-to-head stats)
Last season's trip to Brunton Park ended in a 0-0 stalemate back in March but goals were a plenty for the Boxing Day fixture between the two sides.
Lee Miller put the visitors ahead from the spot on 20 minutes only for Canadian international striker Iain Hume to level 120 seconds later.
Paul Parry saw North End turn the game on its head by netting a 31st minute penalty but the Lilywhites couldn't see out the half with the lead after Francois Zoko's 45th minute equaliser.
James Bennett saw United restore their lead just past the hour mark with a goal that looked to be enough to seal all three points heading into the closing moments of the game.
However, youngster Jamie Douglas equalised with a close-range poachers effort in stoppage time to seal a point, much to the merriment of the North End supporters.
Team News
North End face no new selection issues with the only short term absentees being skipper John Mousinho as well as Lee Holmes and Joel Byrom who are said to be a couple of weeks away.
Lee Trundle is reportedly making good progress on his recovery from injury but is not expected to return before October at the earliest.
For Carlisle, on-loan Bolton striker Michael O'Halloran will be looking to make his first start for the Cumbrians after making a substitute appearance during the defeat to MK Dons.
Played For Both (click here)