Jim Nichols reckons Carlisle City have the chance to “upset the apple cart” as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit in their semi-final second leg at Sandbach United.

After losing the first leg 4-2, boss Nichols admits City will have their work cut out if they are to reach the Hallmark Security League First Division Cup final, needing at least three goals today (3pm kick-off) with away goals counting.

But Nichols hasn’t given up yet.

“Obviously, we have an awful lot to do, and we need to score at least three goals because away goals count, but we are in with a shout,” he said.

“We were particularly struggling for forwards on Saturday and we scored two, and I think they are there for the taking at the back. It’s just making sure we tighten up at the other end, as well.

"It will be tough. Sandbach are a decent side and they are in very good form of late, but I saw enough last Saturday to think they are there for the taking at the back. We didn’t really threaten them at all and we still scored two goals, and we could have had three.

"I think there will be chances for us.”

After missing a number of first-team regulars at the D Marks Carpet Stadium due to a stag weekend, Nichols expects to have a stronger squad available this time around, although Cameron Wilson won’t feature and could potentially be sidelined long-term with a knee injury.

He said: “With us needing three, I think, if we can get an early goal, it really sets it up nicely.

"It doesn’t then matter if you get a second goal with five minutes left, you are still going to have a real spell of pressure on them at the end.

"As long as we can get ourselves ahead, we have a chance. The pressure is on them and that’s what I will be telling the lads.”

Nichols added: “For us, it’s a chance to go and upset the apple cart a bit, and show them what we are really about.”