Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must not “light the fire” for Newport County to end their poor home run today.

The Blues are hoping to chalk up their first away win of the campaign at Rodney Parade (kick-off 3pm).

United have never won at Newport’s ground – but the Exiles are on a miserable run having lost four of their five home games so far this League Two season.

Simpson says Carlisle, in their bid to add another defeat to Newport’s poor run, must simply go about their business quietly.

LISTEN: Paul Simpson on injuries, goals, Newport and fans

He said doing anything that would fire up the home players and fans could backfire.

“It’s certainly something that affects the team who are in possession of that horrible record,” he said of Newport’s recent home sequence.

“When you get into the habit of losing at home, you go under when things go against you.

“We have to make sure we don’t give them a lift.

“I always have this thing – you don’t light the fire.

“Don’t go there and give them something to cling onto. Don’t antagonise the fans.

“Let’s go there, go about our business professionally and quietly and hopefully that will be enough to get us a result.”

Simpson was making late checks on the fitness of Kristian Dennis and Omari Patrick ahead of the south Wales trip.

Derby County loan frontman Jack Stretton will be on standby for his first league start if the senior frontmen do not make it.

Carlisle are hoping for a first win in nine visits to Rodney Parade, and a first away league win since March.

Victory against James Rowberry's side - who have lost four on the spin in all competitions - would consolidate a solid start to the league season for the Cumbrians.

And Simpson hopes to give travelling fans a reward at the start of another double-header on the road.

After the long trip to Newport, the Blues head to Grimsby Town next Tuesday for their rearranged game at Blundell Park.

“Absolutely fantastic – they’ve been brilliant,” said Simpson of the travelling supporters.

“I’ve no idea what sort of numbers they’re talking about for this weekend. But everywhere we go we’ve had brilliant support.

“We take our hat off to them for doing that. I know it’s not cheap.

“Thankfully the directors have made a fantastic gesture in sorting the coaches out for them for the return game on Tuesday.

“[For the Newport game] it’s a long old jaunt down there. We’ve got to do everything we can to make it a nice journey home.”