Gavin Skelton has called on Carlisle United to stay in the winning habit as their pre-season build-up continues tonight.

The Blues head to Kendal Town (kick-of 7.30pm) for their second friendly.

The game is set to see new signing Ben Barclay make his first Carlisle appearance.

It comes five days after Paul Simpson’s side got their preparations for 2022/23 under way with a 5-1 victory at Penrith.

There could again be outings for more of United’s new faces tonight, with Skelton hoping some of those who missed the Penrith game with knocks could feature.

READ MORE: Profile of Carlisle United new signing Ben Barclay - via Man City, Brighton, Accrington and Stockport

Of those not involved last Friday, Jamie Devitt was pictured back in training with the squad by the club on Monday.

The others who did not feature at Penrith were Sam Fishburn, Taylor Charters and new boy Sonny Hilton along with Tristan Abrahams, who has now left to join Eastleigh.

News and Star: Gavin Skelton (photo: Barbara Abbott)Gavin Skelton (photo: Barbara Abbott)

It also remains to be seen whether Simpson will run the rule over any more trialists having released the three hopefuls who played for the club at Penrith.

Skelton acknowledged there was a positive feeling around Brunton Park at the moment but said it was important United did their utmost to maintain it.

“You’ve got to keep performing well and working hard to keep that feeling,” the assistant manager said.

“There’s a lot of positive vibes and it’s up to us to try to win football matches.

“There’s nothing else like that to make the positivity grow. There is a really good vibe but we’re not silly, we know winning makes people feel even better.

“That’s football, it doesn’t change in terms of that.”

Skelton said United’s squad will train this morning ahead of their trip to Parkside Road to take on Jimmy Marshall’s North West Counties League side.

United are again likely to hand players 45-minute outings as they did last Friday.

“I’d imagine we’ll probably go down similar lines,” the coach said. “That’s how we’re probably looking at it.”

Entry tonight is £5 (adults), £3 (concessions) and £1 (under-16s).