Carlisle United were drawn at home to face Oldham Athletic in the Carling Cup first-round draw held at Football League headquarters this morning (tie to be played week commencing 10 August 2009).

Manager Greg Abbott said: "You can't ask for much more than a home draw in any cup competition, so we have to be pleased that we got that.

"It will be a tough game, as it always is against Oldham, but it's a good one for us. It's another League One side, and they were pushing for the play-offs last time round, so I'm sure that they will want to get their season off to a good start and push on.

"We are determined to to do the same so, like I say, I think it will be a good game with both teams going for the result."

With the draw now completed, he told us: "It always starts to focus the mind more when the Carling Cup draw comes through.

"The pre-season fixtures are one thing but with this, and then with the fixture list coming out tomorrow morning, it all becomes much clearer. Obviously it doesn't affect the preparation work that we intend to do, because that is in place already, but it definitely adds an edge as things start to build up towards getting the players back in and then, of course, to the kick off in August.

"I think the fixture list release brings an added excitement for the fans as well, as they start to plan their own season, so it's fair to say that we are all looking forward to seeing who we will play, and when that will be, tomorrow."