Hundreds of Carlisle United fans will travel south today to roar on the Blues in their bid to reach the League Two play-offs.

The club had sold nearly 600 tickets before they made the long journey south - and tickets are still available to buy today.

Some supporters coaches left the city early yesterday morning to make the 350-mile journey to Exeter.

Other excited fans were leaving this morning leaving plenty of time to travel before the 5.30pm kick-off.

Their mood was buoyant and optimistic.

Fan Joanne Merrie, of Yewdale Road, Yewdale, Carlisle, is one of those travelling down by coach today.

She said: "It will be a good day out and we just hope things go our way. Let’s hope we can make the play offs.

"Exeter is a good day out. It’s a long way but we have a good time on the journey.

"We are dressing up for the game the theme being pilots and trolley dollies with a pointer on Exeter being sponsored by the airline Flybe.

"We're going to be celebrating fan Tommy Coleman's birthday.

"We're getting it announced over the tannoy at Exeter but we're going to say that's he's 55 not 65 as that's what he tells everyone.

"We’ll probably get back about 3am or 4am tomorrow morning so I will have a good few hours to get ready for the club's annual awards ceremony tomorrow night."

Fan Ali Ross, daughter of ex-United legend Allan Ross, travelled to Exeter by coach yesterday - leaving the city at 7am.

She said: "It’s crunch time but really it’s in the hands of others.

"We like to get there in plenty of time in case of traffic. We wouldn’t want to miss the game."

Ali said about 140 fans are travelling on three coaches from the city.

She said: "There are other coaches from other destinations too. There will be a real buzz - a great atmosphere.

"We will also be having a bit of a party for Tommy's birthday."

Ali’s coach will return to Cumbria tomorrow afternoon.

"It will be a quick turn around before the awards," she told the News & Star.

Ali believes there are a couple of contenders for this year’s awards.

She said: "Nicky Adams is definitely up there and Jason Kennedy and Mike Jones. It’s just a shame Kennedy and Jones suffered injuries."

Fan Keith Elliott, 62, of Sandsfield Park, Morton, Carlisle, believes the Blues can win today and get into the play-offs.

He said: "I think we can do it. I'm going to say yes. It will be a difficult game but I'm hoping for a 2-0 win.

"Nicky Adams has been my favourite player this season.

"I think the atmosphere at the game will be brilliant. I reckon there could be about 700 Blues fans there. We will be in fine voice."

Die-hard Tommy, who has watched the Blues since the 1960s, is hoping they will bag a few goals and give him the best birthday present ever.

He said: "We’ve been here before. Let’s hope we can do it."