The Shrimps are in Papa John’s Trophy action on Tuesday when they host Carlisle United at the Mazuma Stadium.
Morecambe come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Newport County in the FA Cup First Round last weekend, second-half substitute Aaron Wildig scored with his first touch after 68 minutes.
Stephen Robinson’s side sit bottom of Group A after defeats to Hartlepool United and Everton U21s in the competition.
The two sides have met 21 times over the years with the Shrimps winning four of the encounters. The side from Cumbria have won 10 of the clashes and drawn the other seven. The Shrimps won the last meeting between the two sides 3-1 at the Mazuma Stadium with Aaron Wildig, Toumani Diagouraga and Cole Stockton all finding the back of the net for Morecambe.
The Opposition
Form Guide
Carlisle have had a difficult start to the season and sit inside the League Two relegation zone in 23rd position. They are without a win in nine games in the league, however they were victorious at the weekend against Horsham in the FA Cup.
As a player, Keith Millen made over 300 appearances for Brentford helping them win the Football League Trophy and Third Division title. He spent the latter of his playing career at Watford and then Bristol City. After retiring, he had two spells as caretaker manager at Bristol City before he was given the job permanently after Steve Coppell departed. Millen had three spells as caretaker manager at Crystal Palace and one at MK Dons before he made the switch to Sweden to take charge of Örgryte IS.
Last month, the 55-year-old was appointed Carlisle United boss after former manager Chris Beech was relieved of his duties following their poor start to the League Two season.
Keith Millen’s pre-match thoughts
The Carlisle boss said his side need to keep moving forward after their FA Cup victory on Saturday.
“I’m trying to stay calm on the side of the pitch but I’m praying every time we get in the box – please score, please score,” Miller said.
“I know what it’s like for the fans, it’s worse for the fans, because they can’t do anything about it.
"I can, in a way, from the touchline, but for the fans to stand there and feel the pressure and tension that’s in there, it’s just great for them to see the goal come and for them to go home happy and smiling.
“We just need to keep moving forward, you’d love to win every game but it’s probably not going to happen.
"At least we’ve got a direction and understanding of what we’re trying to do to make us better.”
United’s key players
24-year-old Joe Riley came through the youth setup at Manchester United and made his senior debut when he came on as a second-half substitute against Shrewsbury Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2016. He spent time on loan at Sheffield United before joining Bradford City and then Carlisle United in 2020. Riley has gone on to make nearly 40 appearances for the Cumbrian side.
Midfielder Jon Mellish made nearly 60 appearances for Gateshead in the National League before singing for United in May 2019. During his time in the North East, he spent time on loan at Newcastle Benfield and was capped for England C twice. The 24-year-old has made over 70 appearances during his time at Brunton Park and has scored 13 goals.
Winger Jordan Gibson started his career in the youth setup at Rangers. After he was released, he joined Bradford City and spent time on loan at Stevenage before moving to Ireland to play for St Patrick’s Athletic and then Sligo Rovers. In August 2021, Gibson returned to England and signed for Carlisle.
Shrimps’ pre-match thoughts
Boss Stephen Robinson said his side want to build some momentum after victory over Newport County at the weekend.
“With the results, we want to get a bit of momentum, we want to build for Fleetwood so I will keep the team as unchanged as I can,” he said.
“We’ve got three boys away, Jökull [Andrésson], Alfie [McCalmont] and Greg [Leigh], so we’ll make those changes, but the boys coming in are good, good players, it gives them an opportunity.
“We will try and stay strong, and go and try to make it two wins in a row.”
Meet the men in black
Cleveland-based referee Ross Joyce will take charge of Tuesday night’s game with assistants Graeme Fyvie and Mark Cunliffe who will run the line. Aaron Jackson will be the fourth official.
Joyce has been the man in the middle twelve times this season, taking charge of fixtures in League One, League Two, the FA Cup, Carabao cup and Papa John’s Trophy. He has handed out 48 yellow cards and two red cards.
He refereed the League Two clash between the Shrimps and Carlisle United back in October 2020 when United came out 3-1 winners at Brunton Park.
Don’t miss a kick with our iFollow coverage
After teaming up with Beyond Radio for the 2021/22 season, supporters will be able to listen to exclusive, full and uninterrupted radio commentary of every single game, home and away, which will be broadcast simultaneously across North Lancashire on 103.5 and 107.5FM, as well as on the iFollow Shrimps platform.
Joining host Dave Salmon is the club’s media assistant Matt Smith, audio passes are available from as little as £2.50 per match, £4.49 for a monthly pass or £45 for a season pass.
As well as full match commentary, the ‘Shrimps Verdict’ podcast will be available post-match, featuring online, on demand content, including audio match highlights, post-match interviews and reaction, and the chance for supporters to have their say.
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