UNITED LOOK TO SMASH CONFERENCE CROWD RECORD IN TOP- OF-TABLE SHOWDOWN

Carlisle United are hoping to smash the Nationwide Conference's all-time attendance record after reporting a massive rush for tickets for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Barnet.

More than 750 tickets were snapped up yesterday for second-placed United's showdown with the leaders, with fans from as far afield as Edinburgh, Yorkshire and Surrey already forking out for them.

The Blue Army's incredible backing saw 7,234 fans attend Carlisle's opening Conference fixture against Canvey Island.  The club is optimistic of topping that figure on Saturday when a win will see United - unbeaten all season in 14 games- leapfrog Barnet to take over top spot. The match is NOT all ticket.

And club owner Fred Story believes there is a great chance of even breaking the Conference biggest ever attendance of 9,432 for Lincoln City's game with Wycombe Wanderers in 1988.

"Sales are going absolutely crazy and it's the busiest staff can remember in the last two or three years," said Story.

"I think we will get around 8,000 but there is a good chance of breaking the crowd record. We have already sold a lot of tickets and, if it keeps on like this, I think it will be a Conference record.

"People want to see success on the pitch and things couldn't be going any better as 16 points out of the last 18 is incredible."

Meanwhile, Paul Simpson was hoping to have talks today with Stockport County utility player John Hardiker, 22. Simpson is also interested in a Coca-Cola League Two midfielder.

And the Blues boss is also planning to speak to Wigan boss Paul Jewell about extending on-loan striker Magno Silva Vieira's stay at BruntonPark, which expires after Saturday's game. Midfielder Chris Lumsdon, who has missed the last three games with a thigh injury, returned to light training yesterday and is pressing a claim to return on Saturday.

Thanks to churchlangbee