Chris Beech insists he’s “really excited” as Carlisle United bid to end a 44-year wait for an away win over Bolton Wanderers.

Tonight’s clash sees the Blues head to the University of Bolton Stadium for the first time in search of precious play-off points.

Not since 1977 have the Cumbrians chalked up an away victory over the Trotters, when George McVitie (two), Billy Rafferty and Mick Tait scored in a 4-3 win at Bolton's former home of Burnden Park.

A triumph at Wanderers' newer ground - which opened in 1997 - would be priceless as the Cumbrians look to bridge the two-point gap to the top seven.

To do so they must topple Ian Evatt’s third-placed automatic promotion-chasers at a stadium where tonight's hosts have not lost in 10 games since January 2.

It represents a big test of United’s remaining play-off credentials but head coach Beech said it is vital they are positive about the challenge.

He said: “I’m really excited.

“I want us to do what we’ve done since the first day I came into this job and represent the supporters to the best of our abilities.

“I think we can at a great venue in Bolton. So I’m really looking forward to it.”

Bolton are hoping to strengthen their claims for an immediate return to League One.

They sit a point above the play-off zone though their progress was checked on Saturday by a shock 2-1 defeat at bottom side Grimsby.

Evatt has some ex-United players in his ranks tonight including defender Gethin Jones, striker Shaun Miller and forward Arthur Gnahoua.

Miller scored their consolation goal on Saturday after coming off the bench, his fourth of the campaign.

They also boast stars such as 17-goal frontman Eoin Doyle.

Beech added: “Bolton are a massive club and they shouldn’t really be in League Two, but they are.

“They’re doing their best to try and do something about it, but we’ve got a great opportunity to go there and do our best.”

Carlisle’s last four away games against Bolton have all ended in defeat without a Blues goal.

Tonight’s trip is their first away fixture against the Trotters since 1987.

That year the Cumbrians lost 5-0 at Burnden Park, also going down 2-0 earlier in 1987, also suffering 1-0 and 4-0 defeats at Bolton’s former home in 1982.