Brunton Park Diary - March 2012
08/04/12 23:05
Mar. 3rd (Sat)
NOTTS COUNTY 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
It’s an ultimately disappointing day for United against one of perhaps two promotion rivals having started brightly enough. The statuesque Michalik allowed Forte to latch onto a fine cross to plant a header back across Collin about half an hour in and minutes later, a well taken Sheehan free kick gave Collin no chance. The best chances for Carlisle were Madden’s fluffed shot from the penalty spot and McGovern’s lifted shot over the advancing keeper that skipped wide of the post when the game was all but over. Still, the beverages and craic in the Vat and Fiddle kept most travellers happy.
Player Ratings (MK): Collin 6, Simek 4, Murphy 6, Michalik 4, Chantler 7 (star man), Taiwo 4, Berrett 4, McGovern 5, Zoko 6, Miller 5, Madden 5.
Mar. 5th (Mon)
BURY YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
Potts and Todd were the scorers for Carlisle in what was a poor defensive display although some good chances were spurned at the other end.
Mar. 6th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 2 ROCHDALE 1
A vital three points after the County result with goals from McGovern (57) set up by Zoko and Miller and a well struck shot from Zoko (76) just after Dale had dragged it back level. Once again it needed a second half substitution to galvanise the team, this time the introduction of Noble for Madden at half-time.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.25, Simek 4.50, Murphy 6.75, Livesey 7.25, Chantler 6.63, Taiwo 7.00, Berrett 6.50, McGovern 6.13, Zoko 8.00 (star man), Miller 6.75, Madden 4.25. Sub: Noble 7.00
Mar. 7th (Wed)
The one that everyone has been waiting for with news that Carlisle will play host to sleeping-giants Gillford Park in the semi-final of this season's Cumberland Cup competition on Monday 2nd April 2012, kick off 7pm.
Mar. 9th (Fri)
Abbott reveals in an interview that the club was unable to strike a deal to sign former Premier League utility player Stuart Parnaby because club finances were too tight. The versatile former Middlesbrough and Birmingham defender spent time training with the Cumbrians but has since linked up with Hull on trial.
Mar. 10th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 4 BURY 1
Another late show from the Blues with the turning point being the introduction of Jordan Cook from the bench 15 minutes from the end in what could potentially be his last appearance for the club. Until then Bury had looked dangerous up front and tidy at the back. The law of sod that dictates that any so-so former Carlisle player returning to Brunton Park will have an extra 15% to give on the day held true with the dangerous Mike Grella given far too much space in the box and setting up Giles Coke to fire in on 21. Minutes later, Liam Noble hit a glorious pile-driver from around 30 yards out to put United on equal terms. Cook had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he beat the keeper from an angle for 2-1 and the Cumbrians sealed the points in the final few minutes with two goals from Miller, the first being a penalty after the lively Cook was dragged down. Bury even had time to have a player sent off for taking a swing at Zoko.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.00, Simek 5.33, Murphy 6.33, Livesey 7.00, Chantler 8.33 (star man), Taiwo 7.00, Noble 8.00, Berrett 6.33, McGovern 6.00, Zoko 6.00, Miller 6.67. Sub: Cook 7.67.
*Calculated from views on the CUFC Online messageboard.
Mar. 13th (Tue)
LEEDS XI 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0
Carlisle fell just short against that Yorkshire bunch; y’know, the ones that used to be good in the 70s. Billy Paynter, Ben Parker, Andy O'Brien, Nunez et.al. were just too strong in the finishing department in what was a good run out. Welsh was unlucky not to score just before full time when he cut in and let one fly, but a block from Parker denied him with his shot angling towards the far post.
Team: Gillespie, McGlen, Michalik, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Todd, Lynch, Mckenna (Beck 46), Madden, Curran, Welsh.
The club announce a big shirt promotion …... and it’s not a special home shirt for Mike Kilner before you ask. United are giving away a voucher with every pre-sale full-priced home match ticket for the last four home games of the season; Huddersfield (31 March 2012), Scunthorpe (9 April 2012), Charlton (14 April 2012) and Exeter (28 April 2012). The voucher will entitle the holder to claim a free home shirt in a size of their choice (even ‘Kilner’). Season ticket holders can claim a similar voucher for £5.
Mar. 16th (Fri)
Fans are polled for their views on games being put into various gold, silver and bronze categories with a variable charging structure across the three bands. The overall verdict seemed to be lukewarm at best.
Mar. 17th (Sat)
WREXHAM YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
A long awaited return to winning ways in what was a comfortable win in the end with goals from Symington and Beck.
BOURNEMOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
An early lead was frittered away as the team gradually sat back after a positive start. Miller met Chantler’s fine cross, the defence hesitated for an offside decision that didn’t come and the Scottish Assassin did the rest with a fine volley into the net. Abbott was sent to the stands as the handbags came out in the second half and it was hard on the team when Derby loanee Addison finished strongly from a corner.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.50, Simek 6.00, Murphy 7.50 (star man), Livesey 7.00, Chantler 6.50, Taiwo 6.00, Noble 6.50, Berrett 5.50, McGovern 6.50, Zoko 4.00, Miller 7.00. Sub: Welsh 5.00
Mar. 20th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 0 PRESTON N.E. 0
Only several outstanding saves from the Preston keeper saved them from a battering with United moving back into the play-off places as they extended their unbeaten home run to 15 consecutive games.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Simek 7.00, Murphy 7.00, Livesey 7.50, Chantler 8.25 (star man), Taiwo 7.75, Noble 8.00, Berrett 6.50, McGovern 6.00, Zoko 5.00, Miller 8.00. Sub: Welsh 6.00
Mar. 21st (Wed)
Last year’s star summer capture is now Guiseley F.C.’s latest signing. Yes it’s that man again, Jason Price.
Mar. 22nd (Thu)
Out-of-contract in the summer, Craig Curran moves down the coast to Blackpool-without-the-syringes aka Morecambe on loan for the rest of the season. In the case of the less than prolific ginger one, the four-legged headlines practically write themselves thanks to the beaches, promenades and holidaying families.
Jordan Cook returns on to fortress Brunton loan until April 30th having convinced Martin O’Neill that cameos against Colchester, MK Franchise et.al. are worth more in the long term than regular trot outs for Sunderland reserves.
Mar. 24th (Sat)
PRESTON N.E. YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0
A set back down the M6 for the youngsters, who never quite got going with United’s gloveman Jordan Parker being the busier keeper of the two.
COLCHESTER UTD 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
After a fairly non-eventful 1st half, Carlisle went up a gear and started playing like a team in the play-offs. Their heads never dropped even after Colchester had scored a neat goal with Rowland picking up a back-heel for a fine finish. As usual, Miller was there to time his flick of the ball around his marker to perfectly match Berrett’s run from midfield. The scorer then opened his body to get the angle and slotted the ball into the bottom corner past the dive of former Blue, Williams.
Player Ratings (MK): Collin 7, Simek 6, Livesey 8, Murphy 8, Chantler 8.5 (star man), McGovern 7.5, Taiwo 7, Noble 7, Berrett 8, Zoko 4, Miller 7.5.
Mar. 27th (Tue)
MK DONS 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
Almost a tale of the two penalties that shouldn’t have been given (Carlisle’s 2nd and the first for the Dons) and the one that should have but is still travelling in a low, geo-stationary orbit around the Earth (Miller’s miss). Another good advert for Division One with the turning point being the introduction of the lively Cook and Welsh.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.5, Simek 7, Chantler 8, Livesey 8.5, Murphy 9, McGovern 6.5, Taiwo 7, Noble 7.5, Berrett 7.5, Zoko 6, Miller 6. Sub: Cook 9 (star man), Welsh 8.
Mar. 29th (Thu)
WALSALL YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
United twice had the lead at 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to two more from the prolific Mark Beck, making it 19 goals for the season despite a spell of work experience down the coast with Workington Town. In the end it took an equaliser from Potts to give Carlisle a share of the points against a Walsall team that had only lost once all season.
Mar. 31st (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 MACCLESFIELD YOUTH 0
A very comfortable victory for United with the goals coming from Symington (two) and Salmon.
CARLISLE UTD 2 HUDDERSFIELD 1
An unbelievably good few days for United is completed with a terrific win over the ever-hard-to-beat Terriers now being led under Simon Grayson. The first on 48 involved McGovern, Zoko, Simek and Miller with the latter’s step-over helping to tee up Berrett to score past Smithies. After being pegged back on 80 by Novak, it was case of grown men and strangers hugging each other around the ground as Livesey’s hopeful lob down the middle was met by a back peddling Miller who was able to somehow head the ball blind over the advancing keeper.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.0, Simek 7.0, Chantler 8.5, Livesey 8.5, Murphy 8.5, McGovern 6.5, Taiwo 8.5, Noble 8.25, Berrett 8.0, Zoko 8.75, Miller 8.00.
NOTTS COUNTY 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
It’s an ultimately disappointing day for United against one of perhaps two promotion rivals having started brightly enough. The statuesque Michalik allowed Forte to latch onto a fine cross to plant a header back across Collin about half an hour in and minutes later, a well taken Sheehan free kick gave Collin no chance. The best chances for Carlisle were Madden’s fluffed shot from the penalty spot and McGovern’s lifted shot over the advancing keeper that skipped wide of the post when the game was all but over. Still, the beverages and craic in the Vat and Fiddle kept most travellers happy.
Player Ratings (MK): Collin 6, Simek 4, Murphy 6, Michalik 4, Chantler 7 (star man), Taiwo 4, Berrett 4, McGovern 5, Zoko 6, Miller 5, Madden 5.
Mar. 5th (Mon)
BURY YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
Potts and Todd were the scorers for Carlisle in what was a poor defensive display although some good chances were spurned at the other end.
Mar. 6th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 2 ROCHDALE 1
A vital three points after the County result with goals from McGovern (57) set up by Zoko and Miller and a well struck shot from Zoko (76) just after Dale had dragged it back level. Once again it needed a second half substitution to galvanise the team, this time the introduction of Noble for Madden at half-time.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.25, Simek 4.50, Murphy 6.75, Livesey 7.25, Chantler 6.63, Taiwo 7.00, Berrett 6.50, McGovern 6.13, Zoko 8.00 (star man), Miller 6.75, Madden 4.25. Sub: Noble 7.00
Mar. 7th (Wed)
The one that everyone has been waiting for with news that Carlisle will play host to sleeping-giants Gillford Park in the semi-final of this season's Cumberland Cup competition on Monday 2nd April 2012, kick off 7pm.
Mar. 9th (Fri)
Abbott reveals in an interview that the club was unable to strike a deal to sign former Premier League utility player Stuart Parnaby because club finances were too tight. The versatile former Middlesbrough and Birmingham defender spent time training with the Cumbrians but has since linked up with Hull on trial.
Mar. 10th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 4 BURY 1
Another late show from the Blues with the turning point being the introduction of Jordan Cook from the bench 15 minutes from the end in what could potentially be his last appearance for the club. Until then Bury had looked dangerous up front and tidy at the back. The law of sod that dictates that any so-so former Carlisle player returning to Brunton Park will have an extra 15% to give on the day held true with the dangerous Mike Grella given far too much space in the box and setting up Giles Coke to fire in on 21. Minutes later, Liam Noble hit a glorious pile-driver from around 30 yards out to put United on equal terms. Cook had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he beat the keeper from an angle for 2-1 and the Cumbrians sealed the points in the final few minutes with two goals from Miller, the first being a penalty after the lively Cook was dragged down. Bury even had time to have a player sent off for taking a swing at Zoko.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.00, Simek 5.33, Murphy 6.33, Livesey 7.00, Chantler 8.33 (star man), Taiwo 7.00, Noble 8.00, Berrett 6.33, McGovern 6.00, Zoko 6.00, Miller 6.67. Sub: Cook 7.67.
*Calculated from views on the CUFC Online messageboard.
Mar. 13th (Tue)
LEEDS XI 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0
Carlisle fell just short against that Yorkshire bunch; y’know, the ones that used to be good in the 70s. Billy Paynter, Ben Parker, Andy O'Brien, Nunez et.al. were just too strong in the finishing department in what was a good run out. Welsh was unlucky not to score just before full time when he cut in and let one fly, but a block from Parker denied him with his shot angling towards the far post.
Team: Gillespie, McGlen, Michalik, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Todd, Lynch, Mckenna (Beck 46), Madden, Curran, Welsh.
The club announce a big shirt promotion …... and it’s not a special home shirt for Mike Kilner before you ask. United are giving away a voucher with every pre-sale full-priced home match ticket for the last four home games of the season; Huddersfield (31 March 2012), Scunthorpe (9 April 2012), Charlton (14 April 2012) and Exeter (28 April 2012). The voucher will entitle the holder to claim a free home shirt in a size of their choice (even ‘Kilner’). Season ticket holders can claim a similar voucher for £5.
Mar. 16th (Fri)
Fans are polled for their views on games being put into various gold, silver and bronze categories with a variable charging structure across the three bands. The overall verdict seemed to be lukewarm at best.
Mar. 17th (Sat)
WREXHAM YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
A long awaited return to winning ways in what was a comfortable win in the end with goals from Symington and Beck.
BOURNEMOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
An early lead was frittered away as the team gradually sat back after a positive start. Miller met Chantler’s fine cross, the defence hesitated for an offside decision that didn’t come and the Scottish Assassin did the rest with a fine volley into the net. Abbott was sent to the stands as the handbags came out in the second half and it was hard on the team when Derby loanee Addison finished strongly from a corner.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.50, Simek 6.00, Murphy 7.50 (star man), Livesey 7.00, Chantler 6.50, Taiwo 6.00, Noble 6.50, Berrett 5.50, McGovern 6.50, Zoko 4.00, Miller 7.00. Sub: Welsh 5.00
Mar. 20th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 0 PRESTON N.E. 0
Only several outstanding saves from the Preston keeper saved them from a battering with United moving back into the play-off places as they extended their unbeaten home run to 15 consecutive games.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Simek 7.00, Murphy 7.00, Livesey 7.50, Chantler 8.25 (star man), Taiwo 7.75, Noble 8.00, Berrett 6.50, McGovern 6.00, Zoko 5.00, Miller 8.00. Sub: Welsh 6.00
Mar. 21st (Wed)
Last year’s star summer capture is now Guiseley F.C.’s latest signing. Yes it’s that man again, Jason Price.
Mar. 22nd (Thu)
Out-of-contract in the summer, Craig Curran moves down the coast to Blackpool-without-the-syringes aka Morecambe on loan for the rest of the season. In the case of the less than prolific ginger one, the four-legged headlines practically write themselves thanks to the beaches, promenades and holidaying families.
Jordan Cook returns on to fortress Brunton loan until April 30th having convinced Martin O’Neill that cameos against Colchester, MK Franchise et.al. are worth more in the long term than regular trot outs for Sunderland reserves.
Mar. 24th (Sat)
PRESTON N.E. YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0
A set back down the M6 for the youngsters, who never quite got going with United’s gloveman Jordan Parker being the busier keeper of the two.
COLCHESTER UTD 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
After a fairly non-eventful 1st half, Carlisle went up a gear and started playing like a team in the play-offs. Their heads never dropped even after Colchester had scored a neat goal with Rowland picking up a back-heel for a fine finish. As usual, Miller was there to time his flick of the ball around his marker to perfectly match Berrett’s run from midfield. The scorer then opened his body to get the angle and slotted the ball into the bottom corner past the dive of former Blue, Williams.
Player Ratings (MK): Collin 7, Simek 6, Livesey 8, Murphy 8, Chantler 8.5 (star man), McGovern 7.5, Taiwo 7, Noble 7, Berrett 8, Zoko 4, Miller 7.5.
Mar. 27th (Tue)
MK DONS 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
Almost a tale of the two penalties that shouldn’t have been given (Carlisle’s 2nd and the first for the Dons) and the one that should have but is still travelling in a low, geo-stationary orbit around the Earth (Miller’s miss). Another good advert for Division One with the turning point being the introduction of the lively Cook and Welsh.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.5, Simek 7, Chantler 8, Livesey 8.5, Murphy 9, McGovern 6.5, Taiwo 7, Noble 7.5, Berrett 7.5, Zoko 6, Miller 6. Sub: Cook 9 (star man), Welsh 8.
Mar. 29th (Thu)
WALSALL YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
United twice had the lead at 1-0 and 2-1 thanks to two more from the prolific Mark Beck, making it 19 goals for the season despite a spell of work experience down the coast with Workington Town. In the end it took an equaliser from Potts to give Carlisle a share of the points against a Walsall team that had only lost once all season.
Mar. 31st (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 MACCLESFIELD YOUTH 0
A very comfortable victory for United with the goals coming from Symington (two) and Salmon.
CARLISLE UTD 2 HUDDERSFIELD 1
An unbelievably good few days for United is completed with a terrific win over the ever-hard-to-beat Terriers now being led under Simon Grayson. The first on 48 involved McGovern, Zoko, Simek and Miller with the latter’s step-over helping to tee up Berrett to score past Smithies. After being pegged back on 80 by Novak, it was case of grown men and strangers hugging each other around the ground as Livesey’s hopeful lob down the middle was met by a back peddling Miller who was able to somehow head the ball blind over the advancing keeper.
*Player Ratings: Collin 7.0, Simek 7.0, Chantler 8.5, Livesey 8.5, Murphy 8.5, McGovern 6.5, Taiwo 8.5, Noble 8.25, Berrett 8.0, Zoko 8.75, Miller 8.00.
Brunton Park Diary - February 2012
08/04/12 23:03
Feb. 1st (Wed)
Paul Simpson is the new manager at Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Northwich Victoria.
Feb. 4th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 2 CHESTERFIELD 1
United came from a goal behind to take all three points. Parker hadn’t done much of worth on his loan spell but his headed equaliser was a spot of redemption. The icing on the cake was complete when a casual back pass saw Zoko nip in to claim it, round the keeper and stroke the ball into the waiting net.
*Player Ratings: Collin 5.50, Simek 4.75, Michalik 5.50, Murphy 7.25 (joint star man), Parker 6.00, Thirlwell 6.75, Noble 5.25, Taiwo 6.50, McGovern 5.75, Zoko 7.25 (joint star man), Cook 6.50. Subs: Madden 6.50, Welsh 6.75.
Feb. 6th (Mon)
A 25,000 person survey conducted by online property company Rightmove says that Carlisle is the happiest place to live in the UK (‘Grumpy Old Blue’ must have been out when they came calling) with York second and Huddersfield third.
Nine out of ten of the unhappiest places to live were all in London or the South East area.
Feb. 7th (Tue)
BLACKBURN RESERVES 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 3
Another very good game with both teams playing good football and Blackburn having a decent side out. Carlisle came from behind on three occasions to earn a draw thanks to a Paddy Madden penalty, a Lance McGlen curled, deflected shot and then Madden scoring from a one-on-one with the keeper five minutes from the end.
United: Gillespie, McGlen, Livesey, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Berrett, Symington, Welsh, Madden, Beck, Salmon (Todd 65). Subs - Lynch.
Feb. 10th (Fri)
The Stevenage game set for the 10th suffers the same fate as many games with glaciers re-forming and advancing down valleys during a mini ice-age in eastern England and mainland Europe.
Feb. 14th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 0 TRANMERE ROVERS 0
In a sentence, United were dire and the visitors missed four or five guilt-edged chances to score.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33 Simek 4.00, Michalik 5.00, Murphy 7.67 (star man), Parker 2.33, Thirlwell 4.33, Taiwo 4.67, Berrett 4.33, McGovern 4.67, Zoko 6.67, Cook 5.33. Subs: Madden 5.00, Welsh 4.67, Noble 5.67.
Feb. 16th (Thu)
Sunderland loan striker Jordan Cook extends his stay for a further month that should include the Bury match on March 10th.
Former Middlesbrough Academy right-back Ewan McEvoy puts pen to paper on a 2-year scholarship and will join Carlisle for next season following a successful trial period.
Feb. 21st (Mon)
BRENTFORD 4 CARLISLE UTD 0
Tell me why I don’t like Mondays as a scraggy old rat once sang. It would be easy to single out Collin’s hapless keeping for the first two goals and the all round, inexcusably lethargic performance from Michalik. So I will.
To cap it off, Thirlwell will have another month or so on the sidelines following a spot of calf-ouch picked up in the match. Oh, and the whole world was watching on Sky Sports.
*Player Ratings: Collin 1.80, Simek 2.60, Michalik 1.20, Murphy 4.20, Parker 1.80, Thirlwell 3.20, Noble 3.20, Berrett 3.20, McGovern 3.20, Zoko 5.20, Madden 2.80. Subs: Welsh 3.00, Livesey 6.60 (star man).
Feb. 25th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 WIGAN ATH. YOUTH 0
Two more goals from the free-scoring Beck and one from Symington put United’s season back on track.
CARLISLE UTD 3 YEOVIL 2
This was never as comfortable as the 3-0 drubbing handed out to the pitchfork-carrying cider drinkers of Somerset earlier in the season. There were some welcome returns to the team including Livesey, Taiwo and Miller and the added steel saw them through in the end. Miller smashed in a pen following a handball on 32 from N’Gala deemed by the referee as No flip N’Good. Collin’s disappointing effort from Obika’s near post shot gave the visitors a boost at the start of the second half. The lead was quickly restored when No flip N’Good brambled (is that a verb?) on the ball and Madden stole in and stylishly slotted past the keeper. Celebrations were put back on ice with a drive from Blizzard on 81 and it looked like it would be 2-2 as the game entered injury time. Zoko however had other ideas with a chase over the top and an almost scuffed shot into the net at the Warwick that seemed to go through the legs of every Yeovil player on the pitch.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33, Simek 5.67, Murphy 7.00, Livesey 7.33, Parker 4.67, Taiwo 7.67, Berrett 6.00, McGovern 7.67, Zoko 8.33 (star man), Miller 7.00, Madden 7.67
Feb. 27th (Mon)
A mixed week for the Parkers with one given the armband against Holland after much media discussion and another, Ben, given a wave on his way from Brunton Park after the completion of his one-month loan spell. Less discussion was probably involved in the second event.
Feb. 28th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD XI 6 PENRITH 1 - CUMBERLAND CUP QUARTER FINALS
Northern League Division One outfit Penrith pushed Carlisle for the first 15-20 minutes but soon found themselves buried under an avalanche of goals courtesy of two from the returning Craig Curran (27 minutes and 29), Noble (50), a Welsh penalty (60), the impressive Mark Beck (63) and Alex Salmon finishing the home scoring on 71. Martyn Coleman scored an excellent consolation for Penrith on 74.
United: Parker, McGlen, Potts, O'Halloran, Chantler, Minor, Symington (Lynch 46), Noble, Todd, Welsh, Curran (Salmon 56), Beck.
Paul Simpson is the new manager at Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Northwich Victoria.
Feb. 4th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 2 CHESTERFIELD 1
United came from a goal behind to take all three points. Parker hadn’t done much of worth on his loan spell but his headed equaliser was a spot of redemption. The icing on the cake was complete when a casual back pass saw Zoko nip in to claim it, round the keeper and stroke the ball into the waiting net.
*Player Ratings: Collin 5.50, Simek 4.75, Michalik 5.50, Murphy 7.25 (joint star man), Parker 6.00, Thirlwell 6.75, Noble 5.25, Taiwo 6.50, McGovern 5.75, Zoko 7.25 (joint star man), Cook 6.50. Subs: Madden 6.50, Welsh 6.75.
Feb. 6th (Mon)
A 25,000 person survey conducted by online property company Rightmove says that Carlisle is the happiest place to live in the UK (‘Grumpy Old Blue’ must have been out when they came calling) with York second and Huddersfield third.
Nine out of ten of the unhappiest places to live were all in London or the South East area.
Feb. 7th (Tue)
BLACKBURN RESERVES 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 3
Another very good game with both teams playing good football and Blackburn having a decent side out. Carlisle came from behind on three occasions to earn a draw thanks to a Paddy Madden penalty, a Lance McGlen curled, deflected shot and then Madden scoring from a one-on-one with the keeper five minutes from the end.
United: Gillespie, McGlen, Livesey, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Berrett, Symington, Welsh, Madden, Beck, Salmon (Todd 65). Subs - Lynch.
Feb. 10th (Fri)
The Stevenage game set for the 10th suffers the same fate as many games with glaciers re-forming and advancing down valleys during a mini ice-age in eastern England and mainland Europe.
Feb. 14th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 0 TRANMERE ROVERS 0
In a sentence, United were dire and the visitors missed four or five guilt-edged chances to score.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33 Simek 4.00, Michalik 5.00, Murphy 7.67 (star man), Parker 2.33, Thirlwell 4.33, Taiwo 4.67, Berrett 4.33, McGovern 4.67, Zoko 6.67, Cook 5.33. Subs: Madden 5.00, Welsh 4.67, Noble 5.67.
Feb. 16th (Thu)
Sunderland loan striker Jordan Cook extends his stay for a further month that should include the Bury match on March 10th.
Former Middlesbrough Academy right-back Ewan McEvoy puts pen to paper on a 2-year scholarship and will join Carlisle for next season following a successful trial period.
Feb. 21st (Mon)
BRENTFORD 4 CARLISLE UTD 0
Tell me why I don’t like Mondays as a scraggy old rat once sang. It would be easy to single out Collin’s hapless keeping for the first two goals and the all round, inexcusably lethargic performance from Michalik. So I will.
To cap it off, Thirlwell will have another month or so on the sidelines following a spot of calf-ouch picked up in the match. Oh, and the whole world was watching on Sky Sports.
*Player Ratings: Collin 1.80, Simek 2.60, Michalik 1.20, Murphy 4.20, Parker 1.80, Thirlwell 3.20, Noble 3.20, Berrett 3.20, McGovern 3.20, Zoko 5.20, Madden 2.80. Subs: Welsh 3.00, Livesey 6.60 (star man).
Feb. 25th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 WIGAN ATH. YOUTH 0
Two more goals from the free-scoring Beck and one from Symington put United’s season back on track.
CARLISLE UTD 3 YEOVIL 2
This was never as comfortable as the 3-0 drubbing handed out to the pitchfork-carrying cider drinkers of Somerset earlier in the season. There were some welcome returns to the team including Livesey, Taiwo and Miller and the added steel saw them through in the end. Miller smashed in a pen following a handball on 32 from N’Gala deemed by the referee as No flip N’Good. Collin’s disappointing effort from Obika’s near post shot gave the visitors a boost at the start of the second half. The lead was quickly restored when No flip N’Good brambled (is that a verb?) on the ball and Madden stole in and stylishly slotted past the keeper. Celebrations were put back on ice with a drive from Blizzard on 81 and it looked like it would be 2-2 as the game entered injury time. Zoko however had other ideas with a chase over the top and an almost scuffed shot into the net at the Warwick that seemed to go through the legs of every Yeovil player on the pitch.
*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33, Simek 5.67, Murphy 7.00, Livesey 7.33, Parker 4.67, Taiwo 7.67, Berrett 6.00, McGovern 7.67, Zoko 8.33 (star man), Miller 7.00, Madden 7.67
Feb. 27th (Mon)
A mixed week for the Parkers with one given the armband against Holland after much media discussion and another, Ben, given a wave on his way from Brunton Park after the completion of his one-month loan spell. Less discussion was probably involved in the second event.
Feb. 28th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD XI 6 PENRITH 1 - CUMBERLAND CUP QUARTER FINALS
Northern League Division One outfit Penrith pushed Carlisle for the first 15-20 minutes but soon found themselves buried under an avalanche of goals courtesy of two from the returning Craig Curran (27 minutes and 29), Noble (50), a Welsh penalty (60), the impressive Mark Beck (63) and Alex Salmon finishing the home scoring on 71. Martyn Coleman scored an excellent consolation for Penrith on 74.
United: Parker, McGlen, Potts, O'Halloran, Chantler, Minor, Symington (Lynch 46), Noble, Todd, Welsh, Curran (Salmon 56), Beck.