Last updated at 12:51, Saturday, 29 September 2012

Peter Murphy says Carlisle United must banish any fears of a cup hangover when they return to league battle against Crawley today.

Peter Murphy

The long-serving defender insists the Blues cannot afford a slump against the Red Devils and then blame it on their midweek exertions against Spurs.

But a victory at Brunton Park this afternoon (3pm) would allow United to reflect on the Tottenham clash as a good learning experience, Murphy says.

And the Dubliner hopes some of the bumper 12,600 crowd will come back this afternoon to roar Greg Abbott’s side on in League One.

“If we can kick on with our league form we will be able to look back and say Tottenham was a great experience to have,” Murphy said.

“But if we lose you will hear people making excuses and that’s not what we want.

“The Tottenham game has gone now. Crawley is a big game and they are doing well in the league.”

Abbott is poised to recall Joe Garner after the striker was cup-tied for Wednesday’s Capital One Cup third round defeat. Kallum Higginbotham could make way, while Liam Noble is pushing for inclusion in midfield.

Murphy, meanwhile, is one of just two survivors in the Carlisle team from the last time United faced Crawley, along with fellow centre-half Danny Livesey.

The sides last met in January 2005 in a 1-0 Conference defeat for the Blues in Sussex, which was overshadowed by the devastating floods that hit Carlisle that weekend.

The Broadfield Stadium team are now eighth in League One after back-to-back promotions.

And Murphy says a strong following from United’s fans can help the Blues topple Richie Barker’s side and extend Carlisle’s unbeaten league run to five games.

“It would be unreal if some of those fans from Wednesday could come back,” said the 31-year-old, whose testimonial match takes place next Sunday.

“Even if we could pick up another 500 or 1,000. They were singing to the end, even when we were 3-0 down and the atmosphere was great.

“We’ve had a hell of a lot of games lately and it costs a lot of money to come and support us, so they are unbelievable.

“Hopefully a few more can give us that boost we need because we always say the fans are the 12th man. We’re on a good run in the league and now it’s back to the nitty gritty.”

First published at 11:52, Saturday, 29 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk