Carlisle to monitor several players before Lincoln clash

Posted Thursday, April 18, 2019 by PA

Carlisle boss Steven Pressley has a number of fitness concerns to contend with as his side seek to put Lincoln’s Sky Bet League Two title celebrations on hold.

Pressley expressed disappointment at his side’s performance in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Stevenage but admits he will have to make a late call on a number of players ahead of Friday’s clash.

Danny Grainger, Jamie Devitt and Kelvin Etuhu will all be assessed on Thursday before being considered, while Mike Jones is available again following a ban.

Carlisle are four points adrift of the play-off places with four matches to play.

A win for Lincoln would be enough to guarantee them top spot, having sealed promotion in a 1-1 draw with Cheltenham on Saturday.

Midfielder Bruno Andrade lasted only 53 minutes after undergoing injections to manage ankle and shin injuries in the build-up, although he was able to celebrate with his team-mates after the final whistle.

Winger Danny Rowe, who had been struggling with a knee issue beforehand, came on for Andrade during that fixture.

Lincoln are looking to be crowned fourth-tier champions for the first time since 1976.