It is a Brunton Park hoodoo that Carlisle United could really do with breaking tomorrow.

To say the Blues' stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Cambridge in recent times would be something of an understatement.

Tomorrow's opponents have not lost in NINE visits to Carlisle - a run going back 25 years.

Since Mervyn Day's United saw off Cambridge with a 3-0 win in November 1996, they have simply not been able to get the better of their visitors from the Abbey Stadium.

Here is a rundown of the clashes since then, as United bid to make it 10th time lucky this weekend...

December 28, 1998 - 1-1 draw

Victories were scarce this season in general, and Carlisle failed to get the better of Cambridge midway through a campaign which would end with Jimmy Glass's miracle.

Their opponents took the lead in the first half when Alex Russell rifled past keeper Tony Caig from outside the box.

Carlisle levelled through a skilful goal from Nottingham Forest loan man Paul McGregor, but they ended grateful for a point after some good saves from Caig early into Nigel Pearson's managerial reign.

March 22, 2003 - 1-0 defeat

Carlisle stumbled to an eventful defeat in their fight against the drop under the management of Roddy Collins.

Cambridge hit the only goal in the first half when Dave Kitson headed home at the far post.

The Blues could not find a way back in a second half which saw Mark Birch sent off for a late challenge on Omer Riza, Collins sent to the stand after confronting ref Carl Boyeson, and Craig Farrell have a penalty saved.

News and Star: Roddy Collins: Sent to the standsRoddy Collins: Sent to the stands

August 30, 2003 - 0-0 draw

Carlisle toiled to improve on their barren start to the new season when Cambridge visited for the fifth league game of 2003/4.

United had scored just once in their previous four - all defeats, which had spelled the end for manager Collins.

Paul Simpson, signed as a player that summer, stepped up into caretaker charge and in his first game the Cumbrian at least led Carlisle to their first point of a relegation-bound season, even if they failed to find a way to goal.

News and Star: Richie Foran can't find a way through against CambridgeRichie Foran can't find a way through against Cambridge

January 10, 2015 - 1-0 defeat

This was a particularly sour home defeat at a time sentiment towards the board at Brunton Park was at a low point.

Keith Curle's attempt to lead United out of a relegation battle was checked by Liam Hughes' deflected 20-yard goal.

Carlisle couldn't find a way back and some fans vented their anger, with director Steven Pattison involved in some of the exchanges.

News and Star: Antony Sweeney is denied for Carlisle in the January 2015 clash (photo: David Hollins)Antony Sweeney is denied for Carlisle in the January 2015 clash (photo: David Hollins)

August 15, 2015 - 4-4 draw

Only a virtuoso performance from Jabo Ibehre prevented United suffering another home defat to Cambridge early in the 2015/16 season.

After going 2-0 down, Carlisle drew level with two goals from their summer signing. Cambridge twice led again, but the Blues equalised twice through Charlie Wyke and Ibehre's hat-trick goal.

Neither side could win it, but it was Ibehre's finest hour for Carlisle United.

News and Star: Danny Grainger and team-mates celebrate with hat-trick hero Jabo IbehreDanny Grainger and team-mates celebrate with hat-trick hero Jabo Ibehre

March 11, 2017 - 3-0 defeat

Carlisle hit the wall in the spring of 2017 as their promotion challenge lost momentum, and Cambridge were on hand to inflict more pain.

Curle's side were toothless in the March encounter, but the same couldn't be said for Cambridge's Medy Elito, who scored a hat-trick, including two penalties.

Carlisle had James Bailey sent off late in a game which formed part of a seven-match scoreless streak for the Cumbrians.

March 24, 2018

Carlisle's bid to make a late run to the play-offs in Curle's fourth campaign was dashed when Cambridge fought back for a point.

United went in front in the second half when Richie Bennett converted at close range.

But the Blues were denied victory when a certain Jabo Ibehre nodded the ball back across goal for Cambridge, and George Maris headed it past keeper Jack Bonham.

March 23, 2019

Another case of play-off chasing United being denied after taking the lead, and former Blue Ibehre was key to Cambridge's fightback again.

Steven Pressley's Carlisle fought back from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy's early opener and led at the break thanks to goals from Jamie Devitt and Nathan Thomas.

But come the 68th minute they were pegged back, as Ibehre broke through to score what would prove his last professional goal.

News and Star: Jabo Ibehre equalises for Cambridge in 2019 (photo: Louise Porter)Jabo Ibehre equalises for Cambridge in 2019 (photo: Louise Porter)

November 23, 2019

The most recent Blues failure to see off their Cambridge visitors came last season during another time of upheaval.

It was Gavin Skelton's second game in caretaker charge after Pressley's sacking.

Skelton dropped Byron Webster in favour of Jon Mellish at the back, and United came close through Olufela Olomola and Thomas, but it ended in stalemate.

News and Star: Gavin Skelton on the touchline against Cambridge in November 2019 (photo: Stuart Walker)Gavin Skelton on the touchline against Cambridge in November 2019 (photo: Stuart Walker)