AFTER a month on the road Carlisle boss Greg Abbott is glad to be back on home soil as his side entertain Colchester United this afternoon.

A draw at Exeter and defeat at Sheffield United sees Abbott’s men still searching for their first League One win in November, with Colchester currently three spots below the 11th-placed outfit.

Three wins from eight represents a mixed return at Brunton Park, with the manager stating: “It feels like a long time since we have played at home, so we are looking forward to it.”

He told the club’s website: “This time last year I think every game we played was a home game, but we have spent most of November on the road.

“The fans have been absolutely magnificent, so it will be nice to get back here and hopefully put a performance on for them.”

Bolstering United’s hand is the loan arrival of Manchester City’s Chris Chantler, with the versatile youngster capable of slotting in on the left side of defence or midfield.

Declaring himself as a ball player who “likes to get things moving,” his availability will aid their push to improve on a goal return of 18 in 25 league outings.

Limited chances and a star-studded squad at the Etihad Stadium make loan moves the only real route to meaningful action for Chantler a side drawn against runaway leaders Charlton Athletic in next weekend’s FA Cup action.

Keen just to focus on this afternoon’s league challenge for the meantime, Abbott said: “Results are the key at the moment.

“December is a really important month in terms of any season, and we want to go into it in a very positive mood.”

The mood will have been anything but in Colchester following last week’s home capitulation to MK Dons, although the East Anglian side had gone a month unbeaten prior to their 5-1 drubbing.

Last season’s corresponding fixture produced a 4-1 home rout for Abbott’s men, with ex-Tranmere front-man Craig Curran claiming two of their goals.