Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson admits he regrets not involving first-team players in tomorrow's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup tie.

The Blues will send a youth side to Aspatria for the county senior cup second round game (kick-off 7pm).

Carlisle fielded first-team squad members in their previous game at Carlisle City.

But manager Simpson said he did not want to risk members of his injury-hit senior ranks in the game being played at Aspatria Rugby Union Club’s Bower Park.

Simpson has “apologised” for the change of approach from United.

“We’d already decided we weren’t approaching it in the way I would like to,” said the Blues manager.

“It’s going to be a youth team that will go to that game.

“Unfortunately the game against Aspatria is going to be on a rugby pitch, so we felt it was too much of a risk to do that.

News and Star: Aspatria FC are using the town's rugby union ground, Bower Park, for tonight's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup second round tieAspatria FC are using the town's rugby union ground, Bower Park, for tonight's Fred Conway Cumberland Cup second round tie (Image: Aspatria FC)

“Unfortunately, and I’ve got to say I apologise, but I’m not treating the county cup game with the respect that it deserves.”

Aspatria normally play their home games at St Mungo’s Park but the rugby union club stepped in to enable them to stage the game under floodlights tomorrow.

They are performing well in the Cumberland County League this season, sitting second in the Premier League table after four wins and two draws from their six unbeaten games so far.

It is their first outing in this season’s county cup having received a bye in the first round.

United needed a penalty shoot-out to get past Carlisle City despite involving a number of professionals against the Northern League Division One side, drawing 1-1 before the tie went to spot-kicks.

Admission at Bower Park tomorrow is £2, with the bar open from 6pm.

Heavenly Fish & Chips On The Go will provide catering while Aspatria juniors wearing club gear can watch the game for free.

“We would like to thank Aspatria RUFC for enabling us to keep this fixture as a home tie by giving us the use of their fantastic facility,” said the home club.

“We hope to see plenty down supporting.”