SECONDS out for round three...

Morecambe and Carlisle United go head to head for the third time tonight (Wed-nesday), though most eyes are focused are on Monday's Conference showdown at Crawley Town.

Saturday's postponement of the big clash with Aldershot the Christie Park pitch failed a 1pm inspection after 24-hours of rain was a blow to the Shrimps.

And now boss Jim Harvey is prepared to use tonight's game in the GLS Conference Cup as a good run out for his players.

He told the Citizen: "I am glad this game has come along, especially after Saturday's postponement.

"There was no chance because of the rain and if we had not had the Carlisle match we would have been over a fortnight without a game.

"That is anything but ideal at this stage of the season because it is important to keep the lads playing so we will have a decent side out tonight."

Saturday's postponement had little effect on Morecambe's league placing and Harvey adds: "Half of the teams above us won and half lost so there is no real change.

"The league is still very tight and we are looking forward to Monday's game at Crawley."

That clash has been moved to Monday night by Sky television.

And that proves that Morecambe are a big draw for the armchair fans.

"It's nice to be on TV again," says Harvey. "People can see that we play good football and it gives the lads an extra incentive."

The switch is bad news for the travelling support who face a 589 mile round trip to see their heroes in action.

"It's not too good for our fans," says Harvey. "But it makes little difference to our preparations.

"We are professional and will approach the game in a professional manner as we always do."