St Albans vs Carlisle - St Albans to make late decision over Sam Merson ahead of Carlisle cup clash

Posted Friday, November 04, 2016 by PA

St Albans boss Ian Allinson will make a late decision on the fitness of Sam Merson ahead of their FA Cup first-round clash against Sky Bet League Two high-flyers Carlisle at Clarence Park on Sunday.

Merson, son of former Arsenal and Aston Villa winger Paul, sustained a head injury during their 5-0 win over Truro City last Saturday but the 21-year-old has trained with the first team this week and should be fit to start.

Forward Junior Morais is pushing for a place in the starting XI after scoring four goals in two league games from the bench.

Defender Tom Bender returned from suspension last weekend and should keep his place as the Saints have no fresh injury worries.

Keith Curle's visitors head into the match on the back of a five-match League Two winning streak and looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 21 games.

Defender Danny Grainger returns from suspension to lead his side with confidence as they travel to Clarence Park. The Carlisle captain told carlisleunited.co.uk: "We won't be taking the game lightly. We should be going down there and getting a result, but we'll show them the same respect that we would do with any team."

Luke Joyce netted his first goal of the season - a 30-yard screamer - in a 3-1 victory over Crawley last time out and is likely to keep his spot in midfield, but the game could come too early for injured duo Macaulay Gillesphey and Tom Miller, while David Atkinson (calf tear) remains sidelined.

The Cumbrians have no suspensions to contend with but will be without left-sided midfielder/defender Patrick Brough, who joined Salford City on a one-month loan deal earlier this week.