Carlisle United are on course for a 4,000 away-day sell-out for their festive trip to Wigan Athletic.

The Blues today confirmed that more than 3,500 tickets had already been snapped up by the Blue Army.

It means yet another huge show of support for Paul Simpson's side is guaranteed.

The December 29 evening game (kick-off 7pm) sees a first ever visit to the DW Stadium for United and their fans.

It is the fourth shortest trip on the League One calendar for the Cumbrians at a round trip of 210 miles.

The bumper away support will come close to emulating the season's biggest travelling following so far, when United took 4,407 to watch the 3-1 win at Bolton Wanderers in October.

The Blues, who confirmed an "initial" 4,000 allocation for Wigan earlier this month, have been backed by big numbers on the road all season and United are reminding fans that tickets for the Wigan trip must be bought before matchday.

They remain on sale until 4pm on Thursday, December 28.

It will be United's first league meeting with Wigan away from home since December 1997, when Carlisle won 2-0 at the Latics' former Springfield Park home thanks to goals from Gareth McAlindon and Ian Stevens.

Wigan, who drew 1-1 at Brunton Park in August, currently sit 17th in the League One table, seven points above 21st-placed Carlisle.