Carlisle United boss Mark Hughes admits a positive start is vital tonight against a Barrow AFC side much stronger at home than away.
The all-Cumbrian clash at the SO Legal Stadium (kick-off 8pm) sees the Blues aim to pick up some vital points in their survival bid.
Bottom-placed United, who are five points from safety, take on a Bluebirds outfit who are 14 points above them in 18th.
The bulk of Barrow’s points have come at home, where they have won eight, drawn four and lost four, compared with a record of two wins, three draws and 11 defeats on the road.
Carlisle are unbeaten in seven league meetings with Barrow since the latter’s return to the EFL in 2020 and maintaining that record will require a solid approach, says Hughes.
“They are strong at home – always have been under previous managers as well,” said Hughes of Andy Whing’s side.
“It’s not an easy place to go. You have to be ready and we'll make sure we are.
“It's important that we start well. There are key periods in games where you have to be resolute and make sure you don't concede in those key moments – notably the opening ten minutes, five minutes either side of half-time, and the last ten-15 minutes of a game are always key periods.
“If you can navigate your way through those, then more often than not you can come out with something positive.”
Considering tonight’s opponents, who have suffered back-to-back defeats, Hughes said: “They're always well organised and quite prepared to soak up pressure. They've got good ability in forward areas so we have to be mindful.”
One Barrow player familiar to Hughes is forward Tyler Smith, who played under the Blues head coach at Bradford City.
The ex-Sheffield United man has scored two goals in eight outings since arriving at Holker Street for his second loan spell with the club.
“Yes, Tyler is a good player,” said Hughes. “He's got good energy and a little bit of pace as well. He did okay for me.
“There's lots of players that I've come across at this level who have just lost their way a little bit but only need a spark to set them going off in the right direction.
“He's obviously felt that he needed to move just to get his career back on track. I wish him well but not on Thursday.”
Barrow will include ex-Carlisle keeper Paul Farman, left, and striker Aaron Pressley, son of former United manager Steven Pressley, right (Image: MI News)
Familiar faces in the home ranks include former Carlisle goalkeeper Paul Farman, while Aaron Pressley, son of ex-Blues manager Steven, is also with the Bluebirds.
Carlisle will have a sell-out away support at the televised clash and Hughes said of the Blue Army: “They’re huge for us. They've been great since I've walked through the door.
“It's really important that I acknowledge that because that's massively important for all the guys.
“I think they appreciate that it's a difficult situation that we find ourselves in but as long as they can see commitment, effort, desire – all the elements that are prerequisite when you put the shirt on.
“Everybody wants to win but sometimes that's not always possible. But if all the other elements I've mentioned are on display then you'll get clapped off.”
Carlisle are aiming to end a run of three games without scoring and Hughes added: “It only takes one goal, one winning goal, and that can change our outlook totally.
“I think we're showing progress. We're positive still. I feel it's only a matter of time. I believe the players feel that way as well.”
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