Jan. 2nd (Mon)

CARLISLE UTD 3 SHEFFIELD UTD 2
A contender for match of the season so far as Carlisle beat a very competent Blades team in a thrilling encounter. All three goals from the Blues were different class with Zoko linking up well with JPM and Miller for two goals in the first quarter hour and then the two Scots did the business for a superbly worked winner on 72. In between, the Blades hauled back Carlisle twice and also managed to hit the post three times in a pulsating game.

Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Ribeiro 7.08, Michalik 6.25, Murphy 6.67, Robson 6.42, Thirlwell 7.50, Berrett 7.83, Taiwo 8.00, McGovern 8.92, Zoko 9.00, Miller 9.08 (star man).

Dec. 3rd (Sat)

CHARLTON 2 CARLISLE UTD 0 – F.A. CUP SECOND ROUND
After a strong first-half when they had the Addicks on the back foot for large spells, United seemed to run out of steam and goals on 62 and 90 sealed Charlton’s progress to the 3rd round and a meeting with Fulham.

Team (No Ratings): Collin, Ribeiro, Michalik, Murphy, Robson, Thirlwell, Noble, Berrett, McGovern, Loy, Miller.

BLACKPOOL YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5
Another lesson handed out by the rampant Youth team against an under-strength Blackpool with goals from Mark Beck (2), Brandon Gwinnutt, Brad Potts and Lance McGlen.

Dec. 5th (Mon)

First team winger Andy Welsh and Youth team hot-shot Alex Salmon both resume full training following their recovery from injury.

Dec. 6th (Tue)

Seven successive home defeats put paid to the tenure of former Blues manager Mick Wadsworth at the Monkey Hangers even though their exceptional away form leaves them just three points behind Carlisle in League Two.

Dec. 8th (Thu)

Curran’s operation on his knee-knack goes to plan and he will be out for the next 6 weeks.

United’s game against Penrith in the quarter final of the Cumberland Cup is set for Tuesday, 28th February 2012, kick off 7pm.

Dec. 9th (Fri)

Rory Loy travels for a court appearance in Glasgow following an incident at The Corinthian Club in Glasgow last month. Although the case resumes on Monday, Loy is still available for the Scunny game.

The first cobwebs are brushed off the rumour mill with the club linked to 37 year-old Tomasz Radzinski on a two month deal.

The table-topping Youth team’s game against Bury is called off 24 hours early due to the state of their pitch.

Dec. 10th (Sat)

SCUNTHORPE UTD 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
The first half is probably the most one-sided 45 minutes of football involving Carlisle all season and yet the team had nothing but a 1-0 deficit to show for it. The Blue Army had to wait until 64 for their dominance to finally be rewarded with Berrett providing a cool finish from Miller’s through ball. In one of those rare miracles, it’s this time Carlisle making the late knockout blow to send the fans crazy with Zoko chipping the advancing keeper from Miller’s second-time through ball.

Player Ratings: Collin 6, Ribeiro 7, Michalik 6, Murphy 6, Robson 6, Thirlwell 7, Noble 7, Berrett 7, McGovern 6, Loy 6, Miller 8 (star man).

Dec. 13th (Tue)

FULHAM YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 –YOUTH CUP 3rd ROUND
No disgrace for the Youth team, who give an excellent account of themselves and had the hosts hanging on after Minor pulled one back for 2-1 at the end of the first. Chances came and went for United during the second half and the late third gave a flattering scoreline to Fulham.

United: Parker, McGlen, Staunch, Morse, Minor, Todd, Potts (Jones 90), Lynch (Gwinnutt 68), Symington, Brough (Clarey 70), Beck.

Dec. 14th (Wed)

United's away game at Brentford is designated as a Sky Sports live broadcast and will now be played on Monday 20th February at 7.45pm.

The court case against Rory Loy is formally dropped.

Dec. 17th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 2 WYCOMBE WANDERERS 2
There was a tweak in the team following a tweak of a different nature during Friday’s training with Simek returning from his long lay-off after Ribeiro felt a tight hamstring. Braveheart gave Carlisle an early lead but the expected romp never materialised and a 30 yard wonder goal from McNamee pulled them deservedly level. Worse was soon to come with the on-loan Trotta finishing a flowing move for the visitors that left the defence looking like a bunch of fools and horses. A stop-start second half seemed to be drawing to a frustrating conclusion when JPM swung in a perfect deep cross for Zoko to power in a far-post header wide of the keeper to rescue a point.

Player Ratings: Collin 8.5 (joint star man), Simek 5.5, Michalik 2.5, Murphy 6.0, Robson 4.0, Thirlwell 5.0, Noble 4.0, Berrett 5.0, McGovern 6.5, Loy 5.5, Miller 8.5 (joint star man). Subs - Gillespie, Livesey, Madden 7.0, Taiwo 6.5, Zoko 7.0.

Dec. 26th (Mon)

PRESTON N.E. 3 CARLISLE UTD 3
Roared on by over 4,000 travelling Blues in a bumper Boxing Day crowd of over 17,500, Carlisle overcame the early loss of Rory Loy to a suspected broken leg to gain a point in a thrilling encounter. While lively going forward with goals from Miller (a penalty following a clear push), Zoko and Berrett; Lubo and the rest of the defence had another tough day in the office. It still looked like a tremendous victory was on the cards at 2-3 deep into stoppage time when Preston snatched a late equaliser.

Player Ratings: Collin 8.0, Simek 7.4, Michalik 5.0, Murphy 5.2, Robson 6.2, Thirlwell 6.2, Berrett 6.7, McGovern 7.0, Zoko 9.0 (star man), Loy n/a, Miller 8.0. Sub: Noble 7.3.

Dec. 30th (Fri)

HUDDERSFIELD 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
Another well-earned point for the play-off chasing Cumbrians, this time away at high-flying Huddersfield. Zoko was released down the left wing, beat and his man and pulled a great ball into the path of Liam Noble who slammed it into the corner past the Terrier’s keeper. It took another goal from £3m rated Jordan Rhodes to pull them level and although under pressure in the second half, anything less than a point would have been harsh after largely dominating the first.

Player Ratings: Collin 7.5, Ribeiro 6.5, Michalik 6.5, Murphy 7, Robson 6.5, Thirlwell 7.5, Berrett 8.0, Noble 7.0, McGovern 7.0, Zoko 7.0, Miller 8.5 (star man).

Dec. 31st (Sat)

Referring to an approaching conclusion to the present loan deals with Noble, Ribeiro and Chantler, Abbott indicates that a permanent deal may be on the cards in the case of Chantler. The new management recently installed at both Sunderland and Bristol City will mean that Noble and Ribeiro respectively will need to go back to their parent clubs after the game against the Blades. A future return to Brunton Park isn’t however, ruled out at this time.

Nov. 1st (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY YOUTH 1 – FA YOUTH CUP 1st ROUND
A tremendous performance against a side with Academy status and sitting in sixth place out of the teams in the FA Premier League Academy Group D. In a game that kicked off 90 minutes late after the Wednesday coach got stuck in traffic, the goals came from Potts, Symington (2) and Clary. Moved into the midfield from his usual position in defence, Potts was particularly outstanding. The win sits up a game against either Kidderminster Harriers or Brighouse Town in the second round.

United: Parker, McGlen, Staunch, Morse, Minor, Potts, Todd, Lynch, Symington, Clarey, Beck.

Beer Machine pleads guilty to a charge of improper conduct by the Football Association following his red card against Carlisle and has requested a personal hearing. He could keep every UK shrink in business for the next decade.

Lincoln blow the replay, allowing 10-man Alfreton to make the short trip back with a 2-1 win under their belts and in the process set up a first ever game against Carlisle United.

Nov. 2nd (Wed)

With Tavernier due to play the last game of his loan spell at the weekend trip to Exeter, Carlisle have moved for young Bristol City right-back Christian Ribeiro, a player described by Robins fans as “made of glass” despite being generally positive about his abilities. Having suffered a cruciate ligament injury during his brief career, he’s been restricted to 14 appearances for City as well as having loan spells at Stockport and Colchester. Ribeiro has also represented Wales at full international level winning two caps.

The loan will continue until January 2nd or until such time he walks into a chair in Foxy’s too firmly and spends the next three months in hospital recovering.

Nov. 3rd (Thu)

There’s an unhappy smiley from Dolly’s injury table with news that Stephen O'Halloran and Steve Swinglehurst will both be sidelined with knee cartilage knack for approximately 8 to 9 weeks. Free-scoring Youth team hotshot Alex Salmon could be out for even longer with ankle ouch following a training injury. The better news is that Madden is back in full training and Mckenna is not far behind him.

Nov. 5th (Sat)

EXETER CITY 0 CARLISLE UTD 0
With Berrett and Taiwo suspended and Murphy injuring his back in the first couple of minutes, a clean sheet and a share of the points wasn’t a bad net result even if we needed one of the missed chances to be converted to keep the pressure up on the teams in the play-offs.

Player Ratings: Collin 8, Tavernier 5, Robson 6, Livesey 6, Michalik 6, Thirlwell 5, McGovern 8, Noble 9 (star man), Zoko 4, Miller 5, Loy 7. Sub: Helan 5.

BRADFORD CITY YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 (Bradford City won 7-6 on penalties) – F.A. YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP
A controversially re-taken Bradford penalty set up a win in this cup game that saw United miss a boat load of chances before Beck popped up with the equaliser two minutes from time.

Nov. 10th (Thu)

Girls name decides the Cumbrian life/weather/sausages are not for him as he informs that he’s had a better offer from elsewhere despite Carlisle and Man. City being happy for him to stay longer.

The festive game at Huddersfield is brought forward a day to Friday, December 30th and a 1945 kick-off.

Nov. 12th (Sat)

ALFRETON 0 CARLISLE UTD 4 – F.A. CUP FIRST ROUND
Goals from Miller (24), Loy (33), Berrett (40) and Noble (45) set up a comfortable victory after a slow start with Loy’s bicycle kick being the pick of the quartet.

Player Ratings: Collin 6, Ribeiro 7, Livesey 7, Michalik 6, Robson 6, Thirlwell 8, McGovern 7, Noble 7, Berrett 6, Loy 7, Miller 6.

ST BEES 1 CARLISLE UTD XI 7 – CUMBERLAND CUP 3rd ROUND
Irish flyer Paddy Madden is well and truly back as confirmed by his first half hat-trick. Goals from Patrick Brough, Mark Beck, Brandon Gwinnutt and Dave Symington sealed a comfortable victory.

Nov. 16th (Wed)
KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS YOUTH 0 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 – YOUTH CUP 2nd ROUND
A Mark Beck header on 68 minutes saw off a determined Harriers side and booked a date with Premier League Academy side Fulham in the 3rd round.

Nov. 18th (Fri)

The specialist gives Simek the all clear to resume light training.

Nov. 19th (Sat)

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 CARLISLE UTD 0
This one might have been a different story if the Blues had applied the same self-belief they had for the last 20 minutes across the remainder of the game. As it is a flicked-on corner led to the winner and Collin kept things interesting with a fine penalty save following Ribeiro’s challenge.

Player Ratings: Collin 8.67 (star man), Ribeiro 5.00, Michalik 6.00, Livesey 7.67, Robson 6.00, Thirlwell 6.00, Noble 6.67, Berrett 5.67, McGovern 5.67, Loy 5.67, Miller 7.67. Subs: Murphy 6.00, Zoko 7.67, Curran 5.00.

Nov. 23rd (Wed)

Zoko’s on his way to Middlesbrough according to the Sky Sports website.

Man City latest youth product to join the Brunton Babes is Chris Chantler. The 20 year-old left back will initially stay on loan until January 2nd and represented City for the first time last December when coming on in the final minutes of their 1-1 draw in a Europa cup game at Juventus.

Nov. 24th (Thu)

The Club’s ‘Project Blue Yonder’ exhibition is unveiled to supporters with the resulting wide spectrum of views and opinions. PBY is a proposal to move the club from its present ground at Brunton Park to a new purpose-built complex at Kingmoor Park with a 12,000 all moanin… err… seating capacity. The two main talking points have possibly been the modest initial capacity when the smallest equivalent stadiums in the aspired to level 2 start at over 15,000 and the Park’s distance of nearly 4 miles plus from many parts of Carlisle.

Nov. 26th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 COLCHESTER UTD 0
In a match played in dreadful conditions, United did well to secure all three points with a fine goal from the unlikeliest of scorers, skipper Paul Thirlwell. The move on 22 saw JPM breaking from just inside his own half and finding Miller on the edge of the box. His early ball was met by the advancing Thirlwell who slid in the eventual winner.

Player Ratings: Collin 6.00 Ribeiro 6.00, Michalik 7.50 (joint star man), Murphy 7.50 (joint star man), Robson 6.00, Thirlwell 7.50 (joint star man), Noble 6.50, Berrett 6.00, McGovern 7.00, Loy 7.00, Miller 7.00.


CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 STOCKPORT COUNTY YOUTH 1
The windy conditions were only a minor distraction as the Youth team came from behind to win 4-1 with goals from Symington, Berwick and two more from Mark Beck.

Oct. 1st (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 BURY YOUTH 1
The Youth team continue to go from strength to strength as two from Alex Salmon and one from Josh Todd secure the points.


WALSALL 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
The Saddlers enjoyed the better of the first half chances and on 33, Paterson clipped the ball to the far post where Grigg lost his marker and left Collin with no chance as he guided his header into the net. A good penalty shout was waved away when Berrett was toppled after beating two men as United came back into it. The second 45 was nearly all Carlisle with Noble’s half-hit volley, Berrett had a couple of good chances, Miller’s header brought a great save out of their keeper and Zoko’s spin and shot went just wide of the far post. It took a spectacular Matty Robson special to get a share of the points as his 35 yard free kick sang into the top corner.

Player Ratings: Collin 6, Tavernier 4, Michalik 6, Livesey 5.5, Murphy 8, Robson 6, Thirlwell 4.5, Noble 5.5, Berrett 6.5, Miller 6, Loy 5. Subs: Zoko 8.5 (star man), McGovern 6

Oct. 3rd (Mon)

A few rumours start that United are looking to sign John Shaw on loan with view to permanent deal in January from Gateshead. Shaw recently scored two hat tricks in consecutive games for Gateshead.


Thirlwell’s departure from the game at Walsall is explained as a problem in his calf muscle, which might keep him out for two weeks. In addition, Andy Welsh had to pull out of training last Friday with a tear in his calf muscle that will keep him out for approximately six weeks. Simek is about 7-10 days away from returning to training.

Oct. 5th (Wed)

KILMARNOCK RESERVES 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 2
A Carlisle United reserve and youth side fought well in a behind closed doors friendly at Kilmarnock. It’s reported that Carlisle used the game to run the rule over former Celtic and Norwich midfielder Mark Fotheringham along with two other trialists. The 27-year-old is a free agent after a spell in Cyprus with Anorthosis Famagusta and was Norwich’s captain in the Championship less than three years ago. The former Scotland Under-21 international became the youngest debutant in Celtic’s history when, aged 16 years and 204 days, he played in a 0-0 draw with St. Johnstone in 2000.

Where has it all gone wrong for Mr. Vincent Pericard since leaving Carlisle for Swindon with Havant & Waterlooville being the latest club to take a punt on his talents on the 29 year-old following his release in the summer.

Oct. 8th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 BURNLEY YOUTH 1
The Youth team’s fine run of five straight wins where they collected 17 goals comes to an end against fellow high fliers Burnley.

CARLISLE UTD 2 BRENTFORD 2
Honours even in an exciting match that saw United recover from another sluggish start and a 1 goal deficit to take a deserved lead early in the second half through Berrett’s shot and an own goal from Brentford’s earlier scorer. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold out for the three points and Taiwo’s error allowed an equaliser just two minutes from time.

Player Ratings: Collin 5.0, Tavernier 6.2, Livesey 6.6, Murphy 6.8, Robson 6.8, Taiwo 6.0, McGovern 7.0, Noble 6.0, Berrett 6.4, Miller 7.4 (star man), Loy 6.2. Subs: Zoko 7.0.

Oct. 12th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 9 WETHERIGGS 0 – CUMBERLAND CUP 2ND ROUND
Goals galore for the boys in blue as Curran (3), Salmon (2), Lynch, Symington, Beck and McGlen earn a comfortable win.

United: Gillespie, McGlen, Kavanagh, O'Halloran, Minor, Symington, Lynch, Todd, Zoko, Salmon, Curran. Subs: Potts, Beck.

Oct. 13th (Thu)

Last season it seemed to be the red half falling over themself to lend players, now it’s the sky blues of City offering the same.
19 year-old Jeremy Helan, who can play in defence or midfield, arrives on a one-month loan deal from Manchester City. The Frenchman joined City from Rennes in November 2008 and was one of six Academy graduates to make the trip to Poland for their pre-season tour. Helan has also gained international experience with the French U16, U17 and U19 sides.

Oct. 15th (Sat)

YEOVIL 0 CARLISLE UTD 3
Overzealous referee tries to reduce the score draws on his pools coupon by sending a player off in first half stoppage time (and breathe) Part 1. United always seemed likely to finally break their away jinx at Huish Park against lowly Yeovil and the superiority counted in the second half as Noble’s drilled shot from the edge of the area, Mc Govern’s well taken first league goal after springing the offside trap and Danny Livesey’s far post header meant a long and happy journey home.

Player Ratings: Collin 8.5 (joint star man), Tavernier 7.5, Livesey 8.0, Murphy 7.5, Robson 6.5, Taiwo 7.0, McGovern 6.5, Noble 7.5, Berrett 7.0, Miller 8.5 (joint star man), Loy 7.5.

Oct. 16th (Sun)

Carlisle United pick up an award at the North West Football Writer's awards dinner in recognition of the club's Johnstone's Paint Trophy success in April.

Oct. 18th (Tue)

The third round of the Cumberland Cup sees United given a trip to St. Bees. The game will take place on Saturday 12th November at 1pm.

Simek’s return from injury is put back another 3 weeks following a calf strain picked up in training.

Oct. 22nd (Sat)

MORECAMBE YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
In a game moved to Carlisle due to the state of the Morecambe pitch, goals from Lynch and Salmon gave Carlisle a slightly fortunate victory to send them second in the table behind Walsall. Having beaten them 7-1 earlier in the season, the game was a bit of an awakening for certain members of the squad.


CHARLTON 4 CARLISLE UTD 0
Overzealous referee tries to reduce the score draws on his pools coupon by sending a player off in first half stoppage time (and breathe) Part 2. With three second half goals slotted in either side of this game, Carlisle had put Charlton exactly where they wanted them by the end of the first half with a 3 goal head start and the ensuing complacency. Unfortunately, Abbott’s best laid plans were holed by Robson’s undeserved second yellow and there was no way back from there. Take away the crazy individual mistakes that caused the goals and overall we didn't play too bad.

Player Ratings: Collin 5.00, Tavernier 4.33, Livesey 6.00, Murphy 6.00, Robson 3.67, Taiwo 5.00, McGovern 4.33, Noble 4.67, Berrett 3.33, Miller 6.67, Loy 7.00 (star man). Subs: Zoko 5.00, Curran 4.00, Michalik 6.33.

Oct. 25th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 3 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2
A Miller tap in from Livesey’s saved header, Loy’s fine angled drive and a Noble shot through a crowd of players was enough to complete a storming second-half comeback from the Cumbrians that sent them bouncing back into the top 10. To say that there were mixed fortunes for our two former players would possibly be the biggest understatement since someone described Hitler as a “bit of a bad lad”. Ben Marshall scored a peach of an opener for the Owls and was the driving force behind most of their best work as Collin did his best Billy The Fish impression in the first half to keep the Blues in the game. Still wearing his number 14, Beer Machine looked out of sorts and managed (harshly) to be sent off for two yellows in the process.

Player Ratings: Collin 8, Tavernier 8, Livesey 9 (joint star man), Murphy 7, Michalik 8, Taiwo 9 (joint star man), McGovern 8, Noble 7, Berrett 8, Miller 9 (joint star man), Loy 8.

Oct. 26th (Wed)

Reports from the BBC say that London-based property tycoon Baron Bloom wants to buy Workington Football Club. I don’t think he flies a bi-plane and twirls his moustache during interviews but you never know……

Oct. 27th (Thu)

Drinks Machine is charged with improper misconduct by the FA after seemingly aiming a head butt at the official on his sending off.

Oct. 28th (Fri)

United post a trading profit of £105,365 for the financial year 2010/1 despite a fall in turnover brought on in the main from takings in cup matches being just £435,000 for the season, down from £963,000 for 2009-10. With over a dozen players arriving on loan during the season to cover transfers and injuries, it’s not surprising that the club paid out an extra £156,000 in loan fees and wages alone.

Oct. 29th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 ACCRINGTON YOUTH 1
“Two goals from Mark Beck and an injury time finish from Josh Todd were enough for the Youth team to maintain their push at the top of the table as they had to overcome a first half deficit to grind out their win against Accrington Stanley this morning.”


CARLISLE UTD 3 OLDHAM 3
A terrific comeback from 3-0 down just before half-time by the Blues and necessitated by another suspect performance by the official with Oldham’s account started with another highly dubious penalty. A second half double from Zoko was completed with the game every bit in Jimmy Glass territory with an audacious back heel in the 94th minute.

Player Ratings: Collin 6.4, Tavernier 7.2, Livesey 7.0, Murphy 7.8, Michalik 5.6, Taiwo 5.4, McGovern 7.0, Noble 7.0, Berrett 6.4, Miller 8.6 (star man), Loy 7.6. Subs: Zoko 8.4, Robson 5.0

Oct. 30th (Sun)

The televised draw for the Eon FA Cup First Round hands Carlisle a trip to either Alfreton Town or Lincoln City. Both teams are currently struggling in the relegation zone of the Blue Square Premier and with the likes of Josh Gowling in their line-up, it’s not exactly surprising. The first game ended 1-1 with the replay on November 1st.

Sep. 1st (Thu)

Following his release by Watford a week earlier, Aldred links up with John Ward once again at Colchester.

Sep. 3rd (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 MK DONS 3
The Dons showed why they top the table in the early stages of the season with a lesson in finishing and punishing errors. United’s best move of the first half saw McGovern finding space and his cross for Welsh saw his near post heel-flick drop just wide of the target. Just as in the cup game, the last kick of the first half saw the defence fail to clear leaving MacDonald to nod in the first. A Tavernier error allowed the visitors to break at pace and four passes took them from defence to attack. Gleeson supplied the killer pass for Bowditch to tap home from close range. Miller’s fine header on 53 from Berrett’s free kick tight got the crowd interested again as they poured forward in search of an equaliser. It was not to be and Lewington restored their two-goal cushion with a confident finish into the bottom corner from another good move.

United: Collin, Tavernier, Livesey, O'Halloran, Robson, McGovern, Thirlwell, Taiwo, Berrett, Welsh, Miller. Subs: Zoko, Noble and Curran.

Sep. 9th (Fri)

Kevin "too good for the conference" Gall starts training with Workington Reds and is in their squad for the weekend.

Sep. 10th (Sat)

TRANMERE YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
A fine performance against a previously unbeaten Tranmere side with Jordan Parker saving a penalty for United on 8 minutes with this then followed by goals from Mark Beck, David Symington and Josh Todd. With Burnley getting beat last week, everybody has dropped points with Carlisle just 3 points off the top of the league.

Morecambe take apart the then league leaders Crawley 6-0 thanks to a Danny Carlton hat-trick and with Jason Price playing up front alongside him. Carlton goes on to win the Division Two ‘Player of the Month’ award for September.


CARLISLE UNITED 1 HARTLEPOOL UNITED 2
Defensive mistakes were yet again punished in what was otherwise a reasonable performance.
The Cumbrians thought they'd broken the deadlock on eight minutes when Tavernier skipped through three challenges before cutting the ball back into the danger area. Zoko arrived late and he was stunned when Flinders got a vital touch to his rasping effort to divert it onto the bar. O'Halloran’s weak clearance was punished by Gary Liddle for an early lead and after also hitting the bar, it was 2-0 on 41 when Boyd’s fine 22 yard volley found the roof of the net. Loy converted his own, earned penalty after being tripped in the box but they couldn’t find a way through in the remaining 18 minutes.

Player Ratings: Collin 5.75, Tavernier 7.00, Michalik 7.00, O'Halloran 5.25, Robson 5.00, Thirlwell 4.25, Taiwo 5.75, Noble 5.50, Zoko 6.25, Loy 7.00, Miller 5.88. Subs: Welsh 5.67, McGovern 7.33 (star man), Curran 5.00

Sep. 13th (Tue)

TRANMERE ROVERS 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
Back to winning ways and helped by an early goal started when Robson and Berrett exchanged quick passes on the left with the resulting cross leaving Miller with the easy task of stabbing it in from close range. Further pressure was rewarded when Loy’s ‘Cruyff turn’ in the box ended with a clip on the heels and Berrett scoring the penalty. A bit of early second half pressure from Tranmere helped by a barge on Collin not spotted by the referee reduced the deficit however Carlisle still had the better chances through Loy and Zoko keeping Tranmere to mostly long-range shots.

Player Ratings: Collin 7.33, Tavernier 6.50, Michalik 7.67, Murphy 7.67, Robson 7.33, Thirlwell 6.00, Noble 7.17, Berrett 7.33, Zoko 7.50, Loy 8.67 (star man), Miller 7.67.

Sep. 14th (Wed)

GATESHEAD 0 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 2
A goal either side of half time from ex-Oxford United trialist forward Alex Fisher was enough for an experienced United side in this behind-closed-doors friendly. Fisher has linked up from the Glenn Hoddle Soccer Academy for a couple of weeks.

United: Gillespie, McGlen (Kavanagh 55), Livesey, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst (Minor 60), Taiwo (Todd 46), Mckenna, McGovern (Lynch 55), Welsh, Curran (Salmon 70), Fisher.

Sep. 16th (Fri)

Newcastle agree to allow Tavernier to extend his stay with United until after the Exeter City away game on 5 November 2011.

Sep. 17th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 BLACKPOOL YOUTH 0
Striker Mark Beck bagged the only goal of the game in the first half to earn United a hard-earned victory against Blackpool.


CHESTERFIELD 4 CARLISLE UTD 1
Few realised at the time that a caught-on-TV bust up at a League Cup defeat to the Saints between Di Canio and Leon Clarke would precede a defensive horror show from United at the B2Net stadium with the now on-loan Clarke helping himself to a trouble-free hat trick. Chesterfield scored with the first attack of the game and despite a gifted equaliser for Miller, things quickly fell apart at the back against a limited Spirite team. To make matters worse, Miller limped out of the game before half-time with a groin injury. They must have thought Xmas had come early.

Player Ratings: Collin 5, Tavernier 6 (star man), Michalik 5, Murphy 4, Robson 4, Thirlwell 5, Berrett 4, Noble 5, Zoko 5, Loy 5, Miller 5. Subs: Welsh 5, McGovern 5, Curran 4

Sep. 20th (Tue)

Miller’s injury is revealed as a very small tear in his left groin with a two-week recovery period. Paddy Madden has been able to remove his air-cast boot and should return in approximately five or six weeks’ time. Simek is progressing slowly with no rush now that Tavernier is at the club for a further two months.


BLACKBURN RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 1
Another behind closed doors friendly this afternoon proved a useful run out with Mark Gillespie outstanding in goal.
Fisher scored with a header from a great cross from Andy Welsh when 2-0 behind to set up a close finish.

United: Gillespie, Symington, Livesey, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Mckenna, McGovern, Taiwo (Todd 46), Welsh, Curran, Fisher.

Sep. 21st (Wed)

United are drawn at home to Wetheriggs United in the second round of the County Cup. The Penrith based side currently sit in third place in Division One of the Westmorland Association Football League and knocked Carlisle out in the third round of the competition in 2009-10.

Sep. 24th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 STEVENAGE 0
Featuring a new formation with five across the back, Carlisle are comfortably too good for a Stevenage side showing very little up front. Six years after his winner against them in the Conference Play-Off Final at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke, that man Murph once again breaks Herts’ hearts.

Player Ratings: Collin 6, Tavernier 6.5, Michalik 7, Livesey 7.5, Murphy 8.5 (star man), Robson 6, Thirlwell 6, Noble 7.5, Berrett 5, Zoko 7.5, Loy 7. Subs: McGovern 5, Curran 4.

Sep. 27th (Tue)

Lubo is called up for international duty for the third time this season as Slovakia prepare to face Russia at home and Macedonia away on the 7th and 11th October respectively.

United defender Steven Swinglehurst (19) goes on a one-month loan to Evo-Stik Premier League side Kendal Town.

Sep. 30th (Fri)

The club decide that Alex Fisher isn’t any better than their current strikers and part their ways after a three-week trial.

Ex-loanee defender Gary Borrowdale joins Dagenham & Redbridge on loan.