Additional Carlisle QPR Previews

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This is London - Dexter's Desperate for Victory Dexter Blackstock goes into tonight's Carling Cup clash with Carlisle determined to build on the victory over Doncaster.
The striker wants Queens Park Rangers to maintain morale after returning to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Rovers.
Blackstock said: "We don't want to let Carlisle come here and beat us.
"It's all about momentum and continuing to win games and hopefully we will do that."
Watford face Darlington tonight buoyed by the performances of Jon Harley, who has converted to a midfielder since his summer arrival from Burnley.
Harley racked up the 300th game of his career when Watford beat Bristol Rovers in the last round and is relishing his chance to play further upfield.
He said: "But I'm really enjoying playing in the middle hopefully I can now start adding some goals. It's about time because I've only scored about a dozen in my career so far." This is London


News and Star - United stopper ready for battle with QPR superstars
His first league clean sheet safely completed, Ben Williams believes he and his Carlisle United team-mates can attack tonight’s Carling Cup tie against QPR with confidence and a quiet optimism.
On a high: Blues keeper Ben Williams beats Bristol Rovers’ Darryl Duffy during the opening League One clash
Williams’ talents in keeping out Leyton Orient on Saturday will undoubtedly need to show themselves again at Loftus Road tonight, when United collide with one of the richest and most aspiring clubs in the business.
The billions of Briatore and Ecclestone versus the more modest stability encouraged by the new Brunton Park board sounds like a mismatch for the ages.
But Carlisle’s buoyant new goalkeeper points out that the skills gap on the pitch will be anything but a chasm in the capital tonight.
“The expectation is that QPR will turn us over with the millionaire squad they’ve got,” said Williams.
“They will be a very good side, but it might be a good time to catch them at the start of the season when they might not have fully gelled together.
“We can just go there and enjoy ourselves and if we get something out of it, that’s brilliant. We can use it as a test for where we are as a squad. These are the teams we want to be playing, that’s the league the team and the fans want to be in.
“We will probably have our backs to the wall at times in the game, but it’s going to be a good challenge. It’s something the lads should be looking forward to, and relishing.
“I don’t think QPR will go thinking it’s a stroll in the park. There is a giant-killing aspect with us being in a different league, but we are probably closer to them than most people would give us credit for.”
If Iain Dowie’s men catch Williams in similar mood to Saturday, when he successfully repelled Orient’s best efforts in a demanding 0-0 draw, that giant-killing may not be such a far-fetched idea.
The former Manchester United and Crewe ‘keeper responds modestly when asked about his starring role at the Matchroom Stadium, but does not deny that he is settling happily into life with the Blues.
“I didn’t have that much to do but what I did I was quite pleased with,” said Williams. “I would have preferred a clean sheet last week at home, but I’m happy with how things went and how the team played.
“I thought we defended really well, particularly in the second half when it was backs to the wall.
“We weren’t as clinical with our chances as we have been in the previous games, but as a defensive unit we can be happy with a clean sheet, our second in four games.
“Once you start getting to the last 15-20 minutes, if you can’t nick it, the important thing is not to lose it. The lads were disappointed not to win it because of the way we played in the first half, but with possession Orient had in the second half, we’ve got to be happy with a good point away from home and another clean sheet.
“We’ve had a difficult start to the season with so many away games, and to still be unbeaten gives us a great unity and something we can build on.”
A settling-in period for any new goalkeeper is inevitable, particularly after the sustained spell between the posts enjoyed by Keiren Westwood in previous years.
But Williams believes he is steadily forging a successful relationship with the men in front of him.
“People have to be a little bit patient - it’s a new face and the goalkeeper is a big part of the defensive unit,” he said.
“For the defenders it’s a big change from having Keiren for the last four years. But we are getting better with every game. We’re cutting out the mistakes and learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I’ve said before that moving clubs is a bit like changing schools.
“But I’m getting used to it, the lads and the staff have been brilliant and having Timmo (goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins) around is giving me the chance to improve every day and every game. That’s what I want.” JON COLMAN News and Star


News and Star/Jon Colman - QPR
Birthday boy Gary Madine is set to tackle moneybags QPR tonight with Blues boss John Ward insisting the teenage striker is on the brink of becoming a first-team regular.
Gary Madine
Madine turned 18 on Sunday and is likely to be rewarded for his progress with a role in tonight’s Carling Cup clash at Loftus Road (kick-off 7.45pm).
Ward plans to rotate his squad for the second round showdown in the capital, which will mean either a start for Madine or a key role coming off the bench.
And the Carlisle chief said the youngster is breathing down the necks of his established strikers for a regular place in the United attack.
“We think very highly of Gary at the football club,” said Ward.
“He is learning from people like Michael Bridges and Scott Dobie, who have been around, seen it and done it.
“Gary is getting better all the time and at some stage is going to force his way through that group. He is not far away from doing that.
“I’m aware we’ve got to look after him but at the same time he’s champing at the bit and telling me he wants to play.”
Ward said the likes of Bridges and Madine “come into the reckoning” for their first starts of the season against Iain Dowie’s team tonight, with Cleveland Taylor also set to start in place of the suspended Scott Dobie on the right wing.
Midfielders Grant Smith, Luke Joyce and Jeff Smith are also pushing to be involved against the Championship side although there is likely to be few alterations in defence with new boy Richard Keogh not yet deemed ready to start.
“Richard isn’t far away but it might be too much for him getting a start,” said Ward. “Centre-half is a big position, he might be ok for half-an-hour but probably not to start.”
The manager added: “If some of the lads need a breather and others need an opportunity, I’ll happily do that.
“But make no mistake - I want to win this game. I’m not treating the game lightly. The guys who will come in are first team people. I have said from day one that we will need the full squad this season and you will see evidence of that tonight.” News and Star