How do you write a preview about playing Carlisle and seem positive?

We all know that they're our bogie side and we always expect to lose against them but you have to be upbeat about it.  So here goes.

Carlisle had a well deserved hammering at home to Lincoln on the same night that we were getting the better of a poor Bournemouth side.  They were 2-0 down at half time and the manager, Roddy Collins was so angry with them that he sent them back onto the pitch without them getting a sip of their cuppas.

A much improved second period saw them get a goal back but still let in two more and that was no where near good enough so he's not a happy bunny.

Their previous game saw them win 2-1 at Bristol Rovers but that's not too hard is it.  They were forced to bring in some emergency shirts after the FL refused to let them play in their all white change strip.  Roddy went back to Ireland to get some lucky green shirts.

So, they're playing crap and need to wear lucky shirts to win!

We have some Irish luck.  We have JJ Melligan.

He should be starting for us after warming the bench on Tuesday and after scoring the winner he'll then set off over the border to play for his country at Kilmarnock's ground.

We'll also be more solid in defence after good debuts from Dion Scott and Fraser Digby against Bournemouth.  And with a good strong bench including Brock, Broughton and Foster we can't go wrong.

On the injury front Carlisle will be without Jamie Burt who has a hernia problem.  Lee Maddison who has hamstring problems and Jon Mcarthy who has a cracked rib but is OK to play.

We'll just have to do without Scott Stamps and Kenny Coleman as they recover from their injuries.

Carlisle have, sadly, lost a very promising youngster in 19yr old Stuart Bell.  He's been forced to retire from the game due to a serious incurable knee injury.

So there you go, an upbeat preview full of confidence.  Oh dear!

Teams

Harriers from:
Digby, Brock, Scott, Coleman, Melligan, Ayres, Smith, Hinton, Williams, Parrish, Sall, Flynn, Bennett, Shilton, Ducros, Foster, Bishop, Broughton, Henriksen, Hodge.

Carlisle from:
Glennon, Keen, Weaver, Shelley, Byrne, Murphy, Kelly, McGill, Summerbell, McDonagh, Foran, Farrell, Baldacchino, Dickinson, Jack, Slaven, Nixon, Wake, Prosser, Robson, Birch, Andrews, Hudson, McGill, McCarthy, Russell, Rundle.