Paul Simpson has described Carlisle United’s second leg against Bradford as a “brilliant occasion” that everyone should relish.

The Blues’ promotion chances hinge on their ability to fight back from a 1-0 deficit at Brunton Park on Saturday.

It sees United’s season boil down to 90 crucial minutes on home soil.

And a truly memorable Brunton occasion would cap all Carlisle’s impressive progress since Simpson returned to the club.

“It’s a brilliant occasion to look forward to,” said the manager.

“Who'd have thought this, last February – that we'd be looking at hopefully a full house at home next Saturday, and two teams fighting it out to try and get a game at Wembley?

“It's an absolutely brilliant game to look forward to.”

News and Star: Carlisle players in a huddle after the first leg defeatCarlisle players in a huddle after the first leg defeat (Image: Richard Parkes)

Carlisle have to score in Saturday’s game to stand any chance of progressing, and that is one department where they fell short in the Valley Parade first leg.

After bright cameo, can Charters make his mark on Blues second leg?

The Blues produced a good response to Jamie Walker’s Bantams opener but could not find a way to goal.

“I think we created some fantastic chances but just not had the finish, which unfortunately has been a little bit of a story of our last month or two,” Simpson said.

“But I thought the level of performance, the commitment, the desire, the energy…everything about it after we'd conceded the first goal was absolutely outstanding.

“We now have another huge game that's really, really set nicely. Unfortunately we've given them a goal start, but if we can perform like we've done, if we can just get those finishing touches to the set plays we've created, the open play chances we've created, we can be more than a match for Bradford City and it's a game I'm really looking forward to.”