Cumbrians drawn away to Welling United in FA Cup round two
Carlisle United have been drawn away to face National League side Welling United at Park View Road in round two of this season's Emirates FA Cup competition.
Welling United earned their place in the Monday night hat courtesy of an away victory against Northern Premier League outfit Barwell FC on Saturday afternoon.
The Cumbrians, of course, saw off League Two pace-setters Plymouth Argyle on their own patch with a convincing performance.
Manager Keith Curle said: "We have to be honest and say they aren't a club we know too much about at the moment, but we have had them watched as part of our scouting umbrella in the London area.
"What that has told us is that they have a young, vibrant and energetic squad and they will work hard. That in itself tells us we need to show them respect."
"Our preparation will be the same for this game as it is for any other," he added. "They play at a good level and they'll be looking forward to getting us onto their pitch in front of their own fans.
"We'll need to pay attention to detail in everything we do but, as I've said before, that is now par for the course at this football club. We have procedures in place to make sure everyone knows what they need to do, whether we're facing Liverpool, Plymouth or Welling United, and they'll be in place again as we head into this fixture."
"The good thing for us is that we've created a group of players who approach every situation they face professionally," he explained. "Every team has strengths and weaknesses and it's how they're utilised or exploited on the day which determines the result.
"The key word - and the only approach to use - is respect. We know we can impose ourselves on anyone on our day, but we're mindful that the opposition will have strengths they feel they can bring to the mix to hurt us. Welling United will be the same and that's why we have to do things properly."
And with 646 miles to add to the travel tally, taking United well over the 14,000 mile mark for the season, we asked the manager if distance played any part at all in the match day mind set.
"It's part and parcel of what we do and it doesn't affect us in any way," he insisted. "Let's put it this way, the London Branch will be happy! It's almost as if we've relocated for them this season.
"We're also trying to make sure all the lads have reward cards so that we can take it in turns to earn points when we stop for food and fuel!
"In all seriousness we don't mind who we play, or where we have to go. It's a game of football and we're in this business to win. One thing we can guarantee is that our fans will travel from all over the country, Carlisle included, and we won't be outdone for noise levels.
"These fans of ours have covered a lot of miles and grounds with us over the years and they'll be looking forward to going to what will be a new venue for many of them. They have a habit of making new friends when they go away and I think the people of Welling will enjoy meeting them."
Ties be played over the weekend 4/5/6 December 2015. Full match details to follow.
