KIDS heading to Brunton Park for Saturday's FA Cup match at Carlisle will be let in free as Carlisle United go for a new fourth round qualifying record attendance.

The Conference side, relegated along with York City from Division Three last season, have compiled a scheme to encourage as many fans as possible with children under 12 accompanied by an adult gaining entry for nothing.

They are hoping to maximise their gate to set a new record for a fourth qualifying round match and boost the coffers of both clubs, with gate receipts split down the middle.

York City managing director Jason McGill said: "We made the decision to support the initiative as we hope the scheme will encourage more paying adults to come through the turnstiles and therefore increase the gate receipts which we share with Carlisle. Also, any of our young supporters travelling with their parents to the game will benefit from the free admission.

"Due to our co-operation with the scheme, Carlisle has promised to encourage as many of their supporters as possible to travel to York when we play them in the league on November 27. This gesture, which will help to boost attendance, is greatly appreciated by everyone at the club."

City's preparations for Saturday's match have been hampered by a lack of manpower.

Teams have often turned to cup games as a chance to try out new pre-match routines or training methods but any chance of the Minstermen following suit has been scuppered by the current injury crisis.

Only nine full-time professionals are currently fit with last minute checks planned for tomorrow morning.

Player-manager Chris Brass said: "We would have liked to have done something a bit different but without the players we just can't."

Updated: 10:41 Thursday, October 28, 2004