Carlisle United boss targets better start against Bradford City

The Blues must come from behind against Bradford City as they start Saturday’s League Two semi-final rematch with a 1-0 deficit.

And while manager Simpson was pleased with United’s overall display at Valley Parade, he says they must handle the opening stages better at Brunton Park.

They conceded in the 18th minute to Jamie Walker’s goal, which means Carlisle must win on Saturday to keep their promotion hopes alive.

“If I look back at the game I know we need to start better, to deal with the emotion of the occasion better than we did at the start of last Sunday’s game,” Simpson said.

“I know we need to be more competitive than we were in early parts of the game.

“I know we need to do the same things we did for probably 60-70 minutes in terms of the chances we created…but I also know we need to finish things better than we did last week.

Paul Simpson has called for a better start this weekend (Image: Richard Parkes)

“That was really clear for everybody to see. There were lots I was pleased about but, like all games, lots we need to improve on.”

A Brunton Park play-off record attendance is expected on Saturday as Simpson’s side aim to fight back against Mark Hughes’ Bantams.

United’s boss has John-Kymani Gordon back available after his suspension and the striker comes back into the mix as Simpson considers his selection options.

Blues striker 'chomping at the bit' to return in play-off decider

For a game the Blues have to win, the manager could look at other options including Kristian Dennis, Ryan Edmondson and Jordan Gibson in the bid for goals.

In terms of handling the early stages of the game better, he said: “[On Sunday] I watched the players warming up – although I’m not on the grass, I’m always watching it – and the warm-up looked good.

“They were quiet in the changing room, [but] we’ve had that a few times before where they’re quiet and then go out and start games well.

“There's no signal as to what’s going to come. And we probably need to give Bradford a bit of credit for the way they started – they were front foot, got in our faces, and maybe went a bit more direct than we expected them to be, which is how they got the goal and couple of opportunities.

Ryan Edmondson is among the players who could come in if Simpson makes changes (Image: Richard Parkes)

“We try and prepare them, try and keep them calm. The challenge this week is not building the game up too early in the week so they’re knackered come Thursday/Friday.

“We have to be peaking on Saturday afternoon. The biggest thing is keeping them calm this week so, come Saturday, they’re ready to go flying out of the traps ready to give it our best shot.

“The ability is certainly there. No doubt about that. The desire is certainly there. The energy levels are there. It’s a game we have just got to go out and do properly.”