Carlisle United's Paul Simpson calls for 'character' in Grimsby Town clash

The Blues head to newly-promoted Grimsby Town (Blundell Park, 7.45pm) in their fourth game of the League Two season.

United have five points from three unbeaten games ahead of the clash with Paul Hurst’s Mariners.

Simpson wants Carlisle’s fighting spirit to be back on show against a home side in good spirits after their return to the Football League.

“I watched them last season where I thought they were a really good side,” said Simpson.

READ MORE: What did we learn from Carlisle United's clash with Swindon Town

“We had them watched earlier on in the season where they were a little bit conservative in the way they played.

“I’m sure that, after getting a 92nd minute winner at Rochdale from Luke Waterfall, they will want to go and build on that.

“We’ve just got to keep building on what we’re doing. I still believe it’s 90 per cent about us and 10 per cent the opposition.

“If we go and get our 90 per cent right, I hope we’ve enough to get a result.”

Simpson has been hoping to add to his squad ahead of the game with a loan defensive target on the agenda.

Otherwise, United are set to go with a similar squad to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Swindon Town.

That could mean another outing for teenage defender Jack Ellis after he impressed against the Robins.

Jack Ellis, centre, could get another start at Grimsby (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Simpson said he is pleased United have maintained their unbeaten league start but now wants them to step things up further.

“I think we’d have taken that,” he said.

“I think the performance against Colchester probably deserved a bit more, but we reacted in the right way after we took a bit of a sucker punch, and we did that again on Saturday.

“We’ve shown good character and personality, and we have to do it again [at Grimsby].”

Grimsby have won one, lost one and drawn one so far in the league, with their late victory at Rochdale their first back in the EFL.

The home side include former Carlisle goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

Simpson, meanwhile, said he was proud of the way his team are digging in despite a number of injury absentees.

Morgan Feeney, Ben Barclay, Ryan Edmondson, Brennan Dickenson and Tobi Sho-Silva are among those still out.

“I’m just really proud of them. I’m delighted with what they’re doing,” said Simpson.

“I think they’ve come a long way in a couple of months and I’m really pleased with everything they’re doing.

“Now what I asked of them [after Saturday] is to be the best professionals they can be so that they come back in ready to go.

“We can’t afford any hangover because we need to go again. Grimsby is never an easy place to go, and I’ve told the players that if they win their home games and get points away then they’ll be on track.

“We have to do it the other way round this week – we have to go to Grimsby and make sure we do what we can to get a win there.”