KEITH Curle has demanded a strong start from Carlisle United when they host Oxford United at Brunton Park tomorrow.

The Cumbrians have conceded goals in the opening quarter of an hour in their last two games, both of which ended in defeats.

On Tuesday night they were 4-1 down to Burton Albion in the first half, before rallying to lose 4-3.

Curle, who took over at Carlisle last month following Graham Kavanagh’s sacking, wants his side to impose themselves from the beginning against the U’s.

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“Oxford will have looked at our last two results and will think they can come here and get about us, not let us get any momentum and tempo in our play,” the Carlisle boss said.

“I want to see a committed performance, I want fans to know we’re going to start the game earlier, try and be on the front foot and more competitive.

“On Tuesday, in the first half Burton did to us what we wanted to do to them – landed on more second balls, came out on top in more confrontations in the middle area, played the ball forward more.

“Did we have a physical presence and compete up top? No.

“Will that change (on Saturday)? Yes.”

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