PETER CLARKE looked forward to Town’s Carling Cup tussle with Carlisle United and said: “We’ll give them respect, but go there with confidence.”

Yesterday’s first-round draw handed Lee Clark’s side a Brunton Park assignment which will take place on Tuesday, August 10 or Wednesday 11. Town were 2-1 winners in League I at Carlisle in February, when Lee Novak and Jordan Rhodes were on target.

And Clarke recalled: “We produced a solid, workmanlike performance, and with the quality of the new signings and the existing squad, we can certainly do that again.

“Carlisle’s never an easy place to go, and they had a decent home record last season, but we want a good cup run.”

Town saw off Stockport 3-1 at home last season to book a second-round trip to Newcastle, where they put up a strong fight before going down 4-3.

And Clarke added: “We gave a very good account of ourselves and that trip was a great experience, so we have every incentive to make round two again.”

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott, whose side finished 14th to Town’s sixth in League I, said: “It will be a tough game but a good test for us.

“We take cup competitions very seriously, and I’ll be looking for a good performance against a side I expect to challenge for promotion again.”

Carlisle, who have signed Doncaster left-back Sean McDaid, will prepare for the new campaign with home friendlies against Newcastle and Hibs.

The clubs have met three times in the Carling (League) Cup, first in 1961-62, when Town were 3-0 first-round winners after a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park.

Carlisle were 2-0 home winners in the second round in 1969-70, while in 1977-78, when the first round was two-legged, Town won 2-1 in a Leeds Road replay after a 1-1 home and 2-2 away draw.

That can’t happen any more, because ties must be decided on the night, with extra time and penalties.

Town have announced admission prices for the following away friendlies.

AFC Emley, Friday July 9 (7.30): £6 adults, £3 seniors, students and Under 16s.

Wakefield FC,ŠSaturday July 10 (3.00): £10 adults, £5 seniors, students and Under 16s.

Frickley, Thursday July 15 (7.30): £5 adults, £2 seniors, £1 Under 16s.

Bury, Saturday July 17 (3.00): £12 adults, £5 16-21s, unemployed, Over 65s, disabled (carer FOC), £1 Under 16s.

Barnsley, Saturday July 24 (3.00): £10 adults, £5 Under 18s and Over 60s.

Scunthorpe, Saturday July 31 (3.00): £10 adults, £5 seniors, students and Under 16s.