CARLISLE United take on Tranmere Rovers tonight with manager Greg Abbott desperate to avoid his side’s losing streak turning into the worst of his reign.

Saturday’s 2-1 home reverse against Hartlepool was Carlisle’s fourth straight defeat in all competitions, and a fifth at Prenton Park would make this run the worst of his three years in charge.

The Cumbrians’ bad spell has seen them suffer home defeats against Pool and MK Dons in the league and exit both the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the hands of League Two opposition in the shape of Aldershot Town and Accrington Stanley.

Unsurprisingly, there were grumblings of discontent from the fans at Brunton Park at the weekend when they ended up losing out once again and Abbott shares their frustrations. But now he is looking for a reaction against a Tranmere side who are sitting tenth in the table, just one point and two places above the Blues.

“We understand the grumbles from the fans because we all want to see our team winning,” said Abbott, whose side had gone five games unbeaten before their fortunes changed a fortnight ago.

“That’s even more the case at Brunton Park, because we want the home fans to go away with smiles on their faces.

“It’s something we need to get right, and if we play like we did on Saturday then I’m sure it will come for us.