Northampton Town boss Jon Brady is expecting another “hell of a battle” when his side face Carlisle United this weekend.

Two of last season’s promoted League Two sides go head to head at Brunton Park on Saturday.

They do so in different areas of the League One table with United third bottom but the in-form Cobblers now 12th after an impressive run.

But Brady says Northampton will take nothing for granted when they take on a Blues side desperate for a result.

“Carlisle – just like us – are going to have to ride through difficult periods in the season at this level and it’s about how you come out the other side,” Brady told his club’s website.

“Paul Simpson did very well to get them promoted last year, I’m sure they will be looking to win on Saturday but we are in good form and we are looking forward to the challenge.

“Every team at this level is super competitive and we take nothing for granted.

“We had a hell of a battle there last season and I’m expecting nothing less on Saturday.

News and Star: Patrick Brough, right, returns to his former club on SaturdayPatrick Brough, right, returns to his former club on Saturday (Image: PA)

“But these are the challenges we thrive on and we can’t wait for the game."

Northampton’s former Carlisle man Patrick Brough will return to the club where he started his career.

The Silloth defender came through United’s academy and made the professional grade before building his career elsewhere.

He joined Northampton from Barrow in the summer and has played a regular part in Brady’s side so far.

“I knew [Northampton] had a good team, I played against them enough [last year] and they massively deserved to go up – I knew they had the players capable of managing in League One,” Brough told BBC Northamptonshire.

“People try to write you off but we’ve shown people we can cut it against some of the best teams which is credit to ourselves, and hopefully we can carry on doing it.”

Left-sided Brough, one of two ex-Blues in the Northampton squad alongside Jack Sowerby, has started all 20 league games so far and has one goal to his name.

“I try and base my game on being as consistent as possible – everyone has a bad game now and again – but I hope the fans and everyone around the club can see I’m trying to do that,” he added.

“Hopefully I can continue playing, staying fit and crack on with the season.”