Carlisle United boss Steven Pressley insists he has no problems with Danny Cowley’s “passionate” management style at Lincoln.

Cowley, alongside younger brother and assistant manager Nicky, have guided the Sincil Bank side to two promotions in three seasons, as well as winning the Checkatrade Trophy last term. The Imps will be crowned as League Two champions if they are victorious against United at Brunton Park tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

The Cowley brothers have also developed a reputation for being animated on the touchline, but Pressley has no issues with that.

He said: “I think that they are, obviously, very passionate guys like myself. I’m pretty certain they are emotional and very much have the best interest of their own team in mind, I expect that.

"I never find that in any way difficult to handle when an opposition manager is like that because it’s part of football. They are under big pressure to get results, and players and managers show their emotion. That is normal.”

Eighth-placed Carlisle, meanwhile, would significantly boost their own play-off hopes if they are able to end the leader’s 19-match unbeaten run.

Pressley said: “We have to be the team to end that run. We need to play with intensity, we need to be aggressive in our play and, if we aren’t that, we’ll never win the game.”

When asked why he believed Lincoln had been successful this term, he added: “They are a very big, physical team, that really have an understanding of what they are about.

"They are also a team that has had continuity now for three or four years within the club. They have built a very good culture.

"So, there are many things they have built over a period of time and the one thing about them is they are very dangerous on set plays. They are a very robust team, they are a very physical team and a very well-organised team, so they are a team that have acquitted themselves very well to this league.”

Despite roadworks on Warwick Road, Carlisle yesterday confirmed their supporters’ car park will be open as normal, while Carlisle Rugby Club have also offered their parking area for use.

Meanwhile, the EFL have confirmed their fixture release day ahead of the 2019/2020 season will be on June 20.

*Former Carlisle manager Paul Simpson has given his backing to The Football Association’s re-launch of their adult male retention-focused funding scheme to support men’s 11-a-side community football teams across the country.

The newly-titled “Stay in the Game” scheme will offer existing clubs the opportunity to apply for grants of £750 to help cover the various associated costs of running a football team.

Simpson, now England Under-20s head coach, said: “It’s no secret that we are seeing adult male players move from regular 11-a-side football into other more casual formats of the game.

"One of the main reasons is clubs lacking money for things like match fees, facilities hire, new kit and equipment, which can lead to their teams folding. 

“Last year’s roll-out of the scheme saw some really positive strides and I hope we’ll see men’s 11-a-side teams across the country receive a helping hand.”