Glen Robertson takes a look at Darlington's visitors tonight...

Carlisle United are the last visitors to the Northern Echo Arena for this pre-season before Mark Cooper takes the lads on the road.

The Blues are looking for a competitive game to help them in their preparations for their opening game against Brentford.

Last Season
The Cumbrians finished a respectable 14th in League One, a big improvement from the previous year where they had finished a point off relegation.
They also reached Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, but were soundly beaten by Southampton 4-1.

Pre-Season
Carlisle have won two out of three games so far. They successfully defeated Kendal Town (4-1) and Workington (1-0) but were beaten by a strong Newcastle side 3-0.

Summer Business
It's been a busy summer at Brunton Park. Joe Anyinsah and Scott Dobie - who scored 21 goals between them last season - are among the players who have left.
New arrivals in attack, Jason Price and Craig Curran, will attempt to fill the goal-void, while Sean McDaid, Frank Simek and James Berrett have also signed for the club.

Manager
Greg Abbott
The 46-year-old was given the managerial reigns in December 2008 after a short-spell as caretaker.
He struggled in his first year, but managed to avoid relegation before taking them to Wembley last year.
As a player, he represented Bradford for nine years and made over 100 appearances for Hull City in his 30s.
He has promoted Graham Kavanagh from player-coach to be his assistant at Brunton Park for this campaign.

Key players
Ex-Leeds United left-back Ian Harte is a permanent fixture in the centre of Carlisle's defence, and he contributed at both ends spectacularly last season.
He ended as the top-scorer with 18 goals - a remarkable feat for a defender. While his pace may have dropped to a level below Premier League standard, his set-pieces would not look out of place in the top division. Conceding penalties and dangerous free-kicks to Carlisle is a sin with Harte around.
Captain Paul Thirlwell is being used in a holding midfield role as Abbott is trials a diamond-formation in their pre-season. Thirlwell played at the base of the formation against Newcastle and will likely do the same at the Arena. Should it be successful, Thirlwell will give defensive stability to the Cumbrians this next season.
Ex-Hartlepool winger Matty Robson had an impressive season for the Blues last year. He chipped in with seven goals from the left-side of midfield and created plenty of opportunities for his strikers. The Durham-born player can also fill in at left-back when required, as he showed during the game with Newcastle last week.

Team News
Abbott will use the game to have a look at Ivory Coast Under-23 International Francois Zoko and defender Kevin Long, who are on trial.
Fellow trialist Jean-Yves M'Voto may get another run out after playing for 82-minutes against Newcastle.
Defender Danny Livesey will be missing through injury, after injuring his groin during training.
Abbott could give the diamond-formation another trial as he looks for his best style of play.