John Sheridan says today’s trip to Morecambe will be like a home game for Carlisle United because of the bumper travelling support.

More than 1,700 Blues fans will be at the Globe Arena for the first game of 2019.

United have outnumbered the home fans in the corresponding fixture in recent seasons.

That could again be the case despite a late decision yesterday by the Shrimps not to sell tickets on the day or give Carlisle an extra allocation.

Sheridan, whose in-form side are aiming for a fifth straight win to boost their play-off push, said: “It will feel like a home game with the support there.

“I’m sure they’ll make a right bit of noise.

“We’ve got to go there to continue what we’re doing, and try and win the game.”

United have never lost an away game against the Shrimps.

Sheridan, though, believes the 20th-placed hosts, who have won once in their last eight matches, will be tough opponents under their long-serving manager Jim Bentley and No2 Ken McKenna.

“I’ve been there a few times and they’re very hard to play against - an organised team, with an excellent manager and assistant in my eyes,” he said.

“I get on well with the pair of them, and they’ll know the importance of trying to beat us. But we go with high hopes.

“We don’t look too far ahead. We focus on Morecambe, believing we’re going to win the game but expecting a really tough game.”