http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/index.htmlLatest news from Brunton Parkenwebmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgCopyright 2010 CUSCLB2013-02-20T11:50:46+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:20:27 +0100webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2013-02-20T11:50:46+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bbca8d8a4d3e7f60e924b72299a5a4a7-132.html#unique-entry-id-132http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bbca8d8a4d3e7f60e924b72299a5a4a7-132.html#unique-entry-id-132Feb. 2nd (Sat)

TRANMERE ROVERS 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
Performance of the season to date as the high-flying Rovers team is brought down to earth with a determined United display. After dominating the initial stages, the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the first half after Akpro decided to take out his side’s frustrations out on Frankie Simek’s shin. Things got even better just before half-time when Loy did well to control Berrett’s excellent ball into the box and his half-scuffed shot across the keeper found its way into the net. Apart from a goal disallowed for offside, there were few scares for United in the 2nd half.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 9.00 (star man), Simek 5.38, O’Hanlon 8.50, Livesey 7.75, Robson 7.13, McGovern 5.63, Thirlwell 7.13, Berrett 7.00, Miller 5.88, Loy 8.63, Welsh 6.25.

Feb. 8th (Fri)

United’s hopes for the season suffer a blow as Chantler’s dodgy ankle is deemed in need of an operation that will keep him out until next season.

O’Hanlon drops a “sign me on a permanent” hint so obvious that he may as well have painted it in 50 foot, bright red letters across the Sands Centre.

Feb. 9th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 SHREWSBURY YOUTH 0 – YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP QUARTER FINAL
Two goals from the prolific Alex Salmon plus further ones from Berwick, Dempsey and Lynch saw Carlisle secure a comfortable victory as they sailed through to a semi-final against Fleetwood. Shrewsbury could have played until next Christmas and not scored as United ran riot.
Owen Heather returned to his parent club Sheffield United after the game when it was mutually agreed to end his period of work experience at Carlisle earlier than planned.

CARLISLE UTD 2 STEVENAGE 1
A strange game that seemed over in the first 12 minutes as first Loy and then Miller from the spot put Carlisle 2-0 up. Both were controversial and pivotal moments of the day; the referee overruling the assistant referee’s flag for offside in the first and then sending the opposition keeper off in the build up to the second. Still, since their team contained the former Preston player that had broken Loy’s leg coupled with the ruining of Miller’s first half of the season…. …good riddance and thanks for the three points.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.14, Simek 6.00, O’Hanlon 7.57 (star man), Livesey 6.86, Robson 6.57, McGovern 4.79, Thirlwell 6.29, Berrett 6.36, Miller 6.29, Loy 7.00 Welsh 5.86. Subs: Symington 6.63, Noble 6.00

Feb. 12th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 FLEETWOOD YOUTH 2
A generally display by United against a useful Fleetwood side saw a share of the points with Salmon and Brough scoring once again.


SCUNTHORPE UTD 3 CARLISLE UTD 1
Three straight wins under Abbott remains as elusive as ever with the team going down to a hard-working Scunny side pushing away from the relegation zone under Laws. Berrett’s fine shot just before half-time brought Carlisle back into the game after a lacklustre first half and only two fine saves from the home keeper prevented a second-half equaliser. The last goal came in injury time with the Cumbrians still chasing the game.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 5, Simek 4, O’Hanlon 4, Livesey 5, Robson 4, McGovern 4, Thirlwell 5, Berrett 6, Miller 4, Loy 7 (=star man), Welsh 4. Subs: Symington 7 (=star man)

Feb. 14th (Thu)

Stockport County have signed midfielder Simon Hackney on non-contract terms following his release from Hereford.
Hackney, 29, left Edgar Street in January after just one appearance in a month-long spell with the Bulls.

Feb. 16th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 FLEETWOOD YOUTH 4 - YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP SEMI FINAL
Four more goals for Alex Salmon followed (well, probably) after the game by a heart bypass in Cumberland Infirmary for Kinder in an incredible match.


PORTSMOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
United failed to capitalise on a well-worked goal created and finished by the Scottish triumvirate and paid the penalty for a generally insipid first half and for then sitting back on their 1-0 lead early on in the 2nd. To add to it all, without-a-pot-to-piddle-in-Pompey had the front to charge Carlisle 20 notes to park their team coach in Fratton Park. They then stole the player ratings for the match for good measure.

Team (no Player Ratings): Gillespie, Simek, O’Hanlon, Livesey, Robson, McGovern, Noble, Thirlwell, Berrett, Miller, Loy.

Feb. 19th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD XI 1 CARLISLE CITY0 – CUMBERLAND CUP QUARTER FINAL
United opposed to City. Blue versus Red. Brother set against Brother. Fergie v Mancini. Oh alright, not quite the Manchester derby and the next morning probably stirred few passions at work on the subject. City keeper Adam Bradley saved a penalty from Cadamarteri at 0-0 but otherwise United struggled to break down their part-time opponents and in the end, only a 67th minute Murphy goal separated the sides.

United: Collin, Potts, Edwards, Murphy, Minor, Symington, Lynch, Todd, Welsh, Beck, Cadamarteri. Subs: Parker, Salmon, Brough, Dempsey, Chisholm.

After a spell pounding either the subs’ bench or the advertising boards while at Rochdale, Craig Curran joins Irish side Limerick on loan.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2013-02-20T11:47:18+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ab29d67e3666f0abef41743f18712fe5-131.html#unique-entry-id-131http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ab29d67e3666f0abef41743f18712fe5-131.html#unique-entry-id-131Jan. 1st (Tue)

CREWE 1 CARLISLE UTD 0
Livesey won’t be queuing up to watch the highlights again after his error led to the Crewe winner and then he somehow managed to blaze over from 3 yards as Carlisle chased an equaliser in a game low on both chances and incidents.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7.0 (=star man), Simek 6.0, Edwards 6.5, Livesey 4.5, Chantler 6.0, Robson 7.0 (=star man), McGovern 5.0, Potts 4.0, Noble 5.5, Berrett 6.0, Miller 6.0. Subs: Loy 5.5.

Jeremy Helan’s brief career at Sheffield Wednesday seems to be a notorious one after receiving two yellow cards in their game against Huddersfield but staying on the pitch due to the referee writing down the wrong name for the first one. Journalists around the country stretch the truth to breaking point by claiming that he formerly had a spell at Carlisle.

Jan. 2nd (Wed)

Madden’s run of red-hot scoring form for Yeovil secures a permanent move on a two and a half year deal. The fee is undisclosed and includes a sell-on clause.

The unsettled Bugno also seems certain to be leaving the club after engaging in more trials than Al Capone back home in Italy.

Scunny are close to agreeing a longer deal with Karl Hawley after the former United forward scored 5 goals in 17 games during his now ended short-term contract.

Joe Garner is rumoured to be on his way to Preston North End. Look, I said North. Just to cheer everyone up, the Lee-Miller-to-Rangers rumours continue to gather increasing strength with the player out of contract in the summer and able to sign pre-nuptials with the ‘Gers. Madden gone, Garner not coming, Miller on his way. Doooommmed, we’re all dooooommmmeeeeedd.

Jan. 3rd (Thu)

Cameron Dickson, a highly-rated defender currently at the Wallsend Boys Club, agrees to join Kinder’s youth 1st years for next season after turning down a similar offer from Birmingham City.

Jan. 5th (Sat)

SWINDON TOWN 4 CARLISLE UTD 0
Out gunned, out fought and out played.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.25 (star man), Simek 3.50, Edwards n/a, Livesey 4.25, Robson 4.25, McGovern 4.00, Potts 2.50, Noble 3.50, Berrett 3.50, Loy 3.50, Miller 4.50. Subs: Murphy 4.50, Symington 3.50.

Jan. 5th (Sat)

Former United loanee defender Liam Cooper joins Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee on a permanent basis following a loan move in November. The 21-year-old supposedly had a hissy fit with Abbott back in 2011 after being omitted from the side to play Brentford.

Jan. 7th (Mon)

After being rumoured as a target for the club, free agent Akpo Sodje instead heads for Scunthorpe United on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The 32-year-old striker scored seven goals in 17 games for Preston this season before quitting in December. Sodje supposedly turned down a move to a Russian club in favour of joining back up with Brian Laws.

Jan. 8th (Tue)

RANGERS XI 1 CARLISLE UTD XI 2
This welcome behind-closed-doors victory included a number of fringe players, injury returnees and trialists in the main within both clubs. For United, the friendly marked the first proper run out for defender Sean O’Hanlon having been training with the club for the previous fortnight.


Preston North End beat Carlisle to the signature of Joe Garner on an 18-month contract after Watford agree to release his contract. Garner scored eight goals in 17 starts for the Cumbrians and is for his sins, a Preston supporter.

Jan. 9th (Wed)

Motherwell sign Huddersfield’s Kallum Higginbotham on loan until the end of the season after clearly avoiding the scouting reports and footage from Brunton Park. To be fair, some of it was so bad that it had to be destroyed.

Jan. 11th (Fri)

It’s confirmed that Sean O’Hanlon has signed a deal until the end of the season following a successful trial period. Now 30, O'Hanlon started his career as a youngster at Everton but made a permanent switch to Swindon, following a successful loan spell, when he was released by the Toffees in 2004. He played over 100 games at the County Ground before making the short trip across country to join MK Dons in 2006. A move to Hibernian followed five good years with the Dons and he teamed up with United in December having been made a free agent by the Edinburgh based outfit.

Lee Miller takes over as the on pitch team captain from Danny Livesey in order to let the Conference play-off penalty taking hero to fully concentrate on his defensive duties.

Jan. 13th (Sun)

CARLISLE UTD 1 COVENTRY CITY 0
Just when the average United follower was thinking they were mythical creatures of some kind, the new defensive partnership impresses and helps United keep a rare clean sheet. Robson once again scores an early goal although this team had to endure fewer scares in a deserved victory.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7.00, Simek 6.67, O’Hanlon 7.67 (=star man), Livesey 7.67 (=star man), Chantler 7.00, Robson 7.33, McGovern 6.67, Potts 5.33, Noble 7.33, Berrett 6.33, Miller 7.00. Subs: Thirlwell 5.50, Cademarteri 6.50.

Jan. 15th (Tue)

Poor old Lubo. It’s announced that Portsmouth will have let go of a further six senior players from the club following the expiry of their contracts. Michalik joined Pompey in mid-September while the others who arrived just before the opening League One match of the season in August, are Mustapha Dumbuya, Jon Harley, Brian Howard, Luke Rodgers and Lee Williamson. It was confirmed that Michalik had joined Kazakhstan side FC Kairat Almaty shortly after the news.

Jan. 17th (Thu)

Second-year Youth striker Owen Heather teams up with United for an extended period of work experience following discussions with parent-club Sheffield United. Heather, 17, will stay with United for six weeks in a bid to get some valuable game time under his belt. His preferred position is up front and through the middle although he can also play wide on the right.

It’s also confirmed that attacking left back Jordan Marshall will join the club as a first-year YTS player ahead of next season after several impressive performances with Wallsend Boys Club.

Jan. 18th (Fri)

Saturday’s match against Crawley is postponed after a 1000 Friday inspection deems the pitch unplayable and unlikely to improve given the Arctic conditions over the country.

Jan. 21st (Mon)

Richard Keogh is called up to Republic of Ireland squad for their friendly against Poland on February 6th, their last game before returning to World Cup qualifying action.

Jan. 22nd (Tue)

A rumour in Glasgow has the club linked with Kal Naismith after his falling out with Ally McCoist. Naismith is a right sided attacking midfield/forward similar to Loy and McGovern.


The now 36 year-old Paul Murray is released by Hartlepool. Feel free to say “Good grief, I feel old now” if you can remember him as a youngster pushing into the first team during the 90s.

According to reports in the News & Star, Abbott has told Lee Miller that he will have to work within the club’s wage structure to remain at United. Several players are out of contract in the summer

Jan. 26th (Sun)

CARLISLE UTD 1 SCUNTHORPE UTD 1
A decent game and probably a fair result in the end as both teams try to clamber out of the relegation battle around them. Despite his best efforts to miss an open goal from 3 yards for old times’ sake, Karl Hawley put the visitors ahead early in the second half. With about a quarter of an hour left, Dave ‘The Hammer’ Symington struck one of the finest goals ever seen at Brunton Park with a 30-plus yard free kick travelling like an exocet missile into the top corner of the net in front of the Warwick. The only pity was that there was less than 4,000 in Brunton Park to see it.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.50, Simek 5.25, O’Hanlon 8.25 (star man), Livesey 6.75, Robson 5.50, McGovern 5.50, Potts 5.25, Noble 5.50, Berrett 6.50, Miller 5.25, Welsh 5.00. Subs: Beck 4.75, Symington 7.75.

Jan. 29th (Tue)

Only a week after his release, Muzza signs a short-term contract with FA Cup giant-killers Oldham Athletic until the end of the season.

“So long and thanks for all the pizza” as Bugno’s contract is cancelled.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-12-03T20:38:48+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/08f93cd07ffdb53e3e88ad11fcc89ba3-130.html#unique-entry-id-130http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/08f93cd07ffdb53e3e88ad11fcc89ba3-130.html#unique-entry-id-130Dec. 1st (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 BOURNEMOUTH 3 – FA CUP 2nd ROUND

So much for the dreamed of money-spinning cup run to balance the books. What better analogy than to say the footballing gulf between the two teams matches the disparity in the respective fortunes of the messers Abbott and Howe since the latter took over the reins at Bournemouth. United had started in lively manner and it was somewhat against the run of play when the seasiders scored twice in the space of six 1st-half minutes. The in-form Mark Beck’s header gave Carlisle hope of a comeback with about 20 minutes left in the game only for Pugh to seal a deserved victory just before the final whistle.

*Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 4, Edwards 4, Livesey 4, Chantler 5, Robson 5, Symington 5, Potts 6 (star man), Thirlwell 4, Beck 5, Garner 5. Sub: McGovern 4, Gjokaj 5, Welsh 3.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard, otherwise, Branch members.

Dec. 6th (Thu)

Nigel Dickinson, the present operations manager, is handed the prestigious role of Supporter Liaison Officer within the club.

The key facts from the evening’s AGM were:

• Club Turnover fell from £4.97m in 2010/1 to £4.32m in 2011/2.
• Cup income was just £40,000 having been over £1m in 2009/10 (Wembley plus Everton).
• Shop income fell from £280,000 to £269,000.
• Player wages fell from just over £3m in 2010/1 to £2.75m in 2011/2. The forecast for the current season was a further 10% reduction.
• The club had an operating loss of £124,329 for the season. In 2010/11 the club had an operating profit, after depreciation, of £105,365.
• Carlisle paid out £19,000 in agent fees for the season. One club in League Two, eventual champions Swindon Town, paid out a staggering £448,506!

Dec. 7th (Fri)

Holy Dolmio sauce! Italian left-back Alessio Bugno, a sight as rare as a Carlisle home victory these days, disappears back to his home to Italy for a week or two to decide where his future lies. The Spag Bol down Botchergate clearly isn’t up to much.

Another player on his way is Kallum Higginbotham, another to have only shown glimpses of his talents during his 11-game loan this season. The utility man has had his loan cut short by mutual agreement.

iSpy book 200-pointer Sean McGinty will now stay on a youth loan until January 5th.

Dec. 8th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 ACCRINGTON STANLEY YOUTH 2 – YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP 1ST ROUND
Two goals from Patrick Brough plus one each from Greg Peel, Kyle Dempsey and Connor Thomson saw Carlisle cruise through to the next round of the Youth Alliance Cup.

CARLISLE UTD 1 SHEFF UTD 3
The match went to general script for the first hour with the Blades dominating so much, it looked like they were having a bounce game against their Youth team. The Cumbrians woke up when the lively Noble struck the corner of the post and bar from distance followed swiftly by Symington hitting the post as the team started to build up a head of steam. Livesey’s looping header from a corner seemed to set up a grandstand finish but they couldn’t find a way through the streetwise opposition.

*Player Ratings: Collin 2.75, Potts 5.00, Edwards 4.25, Livesey 6.25, Chantler 3.50, Robson 3.75, McGovern 4.75, Noble 6.75 (star man), Thirlwell 4.00, Beck 4.50, Garner 4.50. Subs: Symington 6.00, Beck 4.50

Dec. 11th (Tue)

Under 18 players Tom Berwick, Alex Salmon and Brad Staunch are handed a shot at the Evo-Stik Premier Division big time as they join Kendal Town on work experience.

Dec. 12th (Wed)

Having previously played with Hartlepool, striker Jason Blackburn agrees to join Carlisle on non-contract terms ahead of taking up a two-year scholarship with the U18 side next season. The front man has been averaging between 25 and 30 goals each year and is described as “a big lad who handles himself well”. Sounds like he’s either carrying a bit of clem or he fancies a pagga every Friday night Gary Madine style.

Dec. 13th (Thu)

Young keeper Mark Gillespie looks set to take on the hardest job in English football after agreeing an extension in his contract until the summer of 2015.

Dec. 15th (Sat)

SHREWSBURY 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
A typically improved away display went unrewarded despite having the majority of play and corresponding chances. Despite a fine attacking move leading to a classy equaliser from Noble, United were left to rue some loose play at both ends of the pitch as the struggling Shrews secured all three points. The game was in some ways a ‘changing of the guard’ with Garner playing his last game before having to return to parent club Watford and Lee Miller making his comeback from injury after just one week of contact training. Still, at least it was a good craic on the train with several of the Branch attending.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6, Simek 6, Edwards 7, Livesey 7.5 (star man), Chantler 6, Robson 6, McGovern 7, Noble 6, Thirlwell 5, Miller 5, Garner 7. Subs: Symington 6

Dec. 18th (Tue)

Valentin Gjokaj, to be forever known in CUFC folklore as ‘The Cheshire Cat’, disappears back down by the motorway faster than you can say “Mad Hatters’ Party” as Derby recall their loaned-out defender. Gjokaj made one fleeting appearance at home to Bournemouth in the cup despite United’s continued problems at the back.

Dec. 22nd (Sat)

The December deluge puts paid to the away game at Scunthorpe.

Dec. 26th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD 3 HARTLEPOOL 0
Welcome to fortress Brunton! Robson had his full-back on toast all afternoon and even if their opponents seem to be going down to Division Two faster than Gareth Bale in a light breeze, it was still a fine performance.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.75, Simek 6.00, Edwards 5.50, Livesey 6.00, Chantler 6.63, Robson 8.00 (star man), McGovern 6.25, Potts 6.50, Noble 7.38, Thirlwell 5.00, Miller 7.88. Subs: Beck 5.75.

Dec. 29th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 2 BURY 1
United had an inspirational Mark Gillespie in between the sticks to thank for seeing them home. A nervy second half had the team chasing shadows when everything had looked a good deal easier when United raced into a two-nil lead after a Miller penalty following Potts’ fine dribble into the box and then a Robson shot across the keeper after a pull-back from an overlapping (rubs eyes in disbelief) Simek.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 8.30 (star man), Simek 5.50, Edwards 6.00, Livesey 6.00, Chantler 5.60, Robson 5.90, McGovern 5.40, Potts 6.20, Noble 5.60, Berrett 5.80, Miller 6.60. Subs: Beck 5.00, Symington 6.00.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-12-03T20:37:16+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/84dbc79461fc579c2274e54f35ce1f75-129.html#unique-entry-id-129http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/84dbc79461fc579c2274e54f35ce1f75-129.html#unique-entry-id-129Nov. 1st (Thu)

Welcome to the BBC’s new series, ‘Strikers under the Hammer’. Even though United need 5 goals to win a game a football at the moment, the club allow the division’s hottest striking property aka Paddy Madden, to extend his loan at Yeovil until the New Year. The common view is that a continued run of form will help the club to potentially recoup the original transfer outlay during the January window.

Matt Robson’s recurring back-knack flares up again; he’s now had more injections than Lance Armstrong. Chantler’s also in the treatment room for heel-gah but at least McGovern has been given a clean bill of health with no reaction to his return to this week’s training (other than cries of despair from the other players). Saviour-in-waiting Rory Loy returns to first team training.

Nov. 3rd (Sat)

ROTHERHAM YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 – YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP 1ST ROUND
Despite being pulled back twice, United were quickly able to get back to winning ways despite the inevitable tiredness after Wednesday’s nights exertions. Two goals from Dempsey and one from Gwinnutt and Berwick sealed the game with a home tie against Accrington Stanley in the next round on December 1st.

CARLISLE UTD 4 EBBSFLEET 2 - FA CUP 1ST ROUND
Non-league Ebbsfleet as so often defied their poor early season form to give United a real run for their money. At 1-1 early in the 2nd half after another goal from Symington, it could be argued that the Kent team were probably looking the more likely winners. With fitness finally taking its toll, Noble, Berrett and Garner with his 6th in 11 games put the tie beyond doubt before a late consolation for the visitors. It’s confirmed after the game that Livesey broke a bone in his hand and will be out for 2-3 weeks.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6, Simek 5, Edwards 6, Livesey 4, Murphy 6, Noble 8 (star man), Berrett 6, Chantler 5, Garner 6, Symington 7, Cadamarteri 5.

Nov. 4th (Sun)

Ha Ha Ha Bournemouth at home Ho Ho Ho 716 mile round trip Heh Heh Heh 2nd round of FA Cup. That will serve them right for the previous week’s thrashing.

Nov. 6th (Tue)

PRESTON N.E. 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
A disappointing local spectacle as a game with the Blues parking the bus in front of an inept Preston side once Garner had scored coolly from the spot in the first half. That said, the defensive performance was comfortably one of their better ones in an otherwise disappointing season (not difficult) and it took an excellent cross and header from the southerners deep into injury time to deny Carlisle all three points.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.20, Simek 6.00, Edwards 7.20, Murphy 6.60, Potts 7.90 (star man), Noble 6.40, Berrett 6.80, Chantler 7.80, Garner 6.40, McGovern 6.00, Higginbotham 7.00.


Wonderful character and former manager Ivor Powell passes away peacefully at the age of 96. As many will recall, Ivor led Bath City and later Team Bath for many years and didn’t officially retire until the age of 93! Hopefully a fuller tribute will have been written elsewhere in this edition’s pages.


At the other end of the football career ladder, 19 year-old, 6 3” Man Utd defender Sean McGinty joins United as defensive cover for a month following Danny Livesey’s recent injury. He has represented Eire up to U19 level and his most recent loan spell was at Oxford United. After a number of shaky pre-season appearances and one Capital Cup game at left-back in the 3-0 defeat to Leeds, he was promptly shipped back to the Red Devils.

Nov. 7th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD XI 16 PENRITH RANGERS 0 - CUMBERLAND CUP 3rd ROUND
Second half substitute Rory Loy made a welcome return from injury as Carlisle went goal crazy in the Cumberland Cup. It was already 7-0 by half-time with four goals to Salmon on his own return from injury on his way to five goals. Symington had his traditional 30-yard drive to celebrate as he wasn’t far behind scoring four in the game. Welsh and Dempsey could ‘only’ muster a hat-trick each and Lynch was the other goalscorer.

United: Gillespie, Gwinnutt, Staunch, Morse (Loy 62), Bugno, Lynch, Todd, Dempsey, Symington, Salmon (Brough 62), Welsh.

Nov. 8th (Thu)

Young Brad Potts has a week to remember after being called up for the England U19 friendly at home to Finland on the 13th. The most familiar name amongst his potential team mates is probably Birmingham’s highly rated winger Nathan Redmond.

Former loan midfield wizard Leon Osman is a surprise choice in Hodgson’s international squad for the friendly next week against Sweden.

Nov. 9th (Fri)
Gary Madine is linked with a loan move to Swindon Town following the lifting of their transfer embargo. Madine promptly scores for the Owls in the evening and appears to be back in favour for now.

Nov. 10th (Tue)

BLACKPOOL YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2



BRENTFORD 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
Carlisle matched up well to a large, physical Brentford side and deserved at least a point from the game. A defensive lapse allowed Douglas to time a run at the back post and sweep his shot in directly from a corner. Garner equalised with a goal of real quality soon afterwards and despite going behind again in the second half, further chances came and went for United, the pick of which of course being Garner’s saved penalty.

Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 5, Edwards 5, Murphy 5, Chantler 6, McGovern 4, Noble 5, Berrett 6, Potts 5, Garner 6, Higginbotham 7 (star man). Subs: Symington 6, Beck 4, Welsh 4.

Nov. 12th (Mon)

Gradually finding his level is ex-forward Craig Curran as he signs for Blue Square North side Chester on a month’s loan from league two Rochdale.

The Leeds United under 21 development squad defeats a Carlisle XI side 7-1 at their training ground. With new loan signing McGinty almost certainly playing, there hasn’t been a ‘this isn’t looking good’ moment of this stature since Darth Vader said “what exhaust port” at the first Death Star’s opening ceremony.

Nov. 13th (Tue)

England U19 beat Finland U19 1-0 with Potts getting 45 minutes on the pitch.

Nov. 17th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 BURY YOUTH 0
Dempsey set up the deciding goal in a close-fought match after dribbling through two defenders. His unleashed shot was parried to Salmon, who finished calmly. Salmon had already hit the post and bar before the goal.


CARLISLE UTD 1 LEYTON ORIENT 4
An absolutely shocking display and rightly described as one of the worse home performances of all time by many observers. The O’s were already 4-1 up and thinking of the long journey home by half-time without breaking any kind of sweat. The excellent Kevin Lisbie, aided by his team mates, capitalised on a series of errors to kill the game.

*Player Ratings: Collin 2.17, Simek 2.83, Edwards 0.67, Murphy 3.17, Chantler 3.83, McGovern 2.00, Noble 2.17, Potts 5.33 (star man), Berrett 2.83, Garner 3.67, Higginbotham 1.33. Subs: Symington 5.17, Beck 2.33, Robson 4.67.

Nov. 20th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 DONCASTER ROVERS 3
Better opposition, better performance, similar result. Symington’s 30-yard screamer of a free-kick took him to four goals and the second highest United scorer outright however it wasn’t enough and Donny’s late 3rd effectively sealed the game.

*Player Ratings: Collin 4.2, Simek 4.8, Edwards 4.2, Livesey 5.2, Chantler 3.8, Robson 5.6, Symington 7.0 (star man), Potts 6.2, Berrett 4.0, Beck 5.2, Garner 3.8. Sub: Higginbotham 2.5.

Nov. 22nd (Thu)

19 year old Swiss defender Valentin Gjokaj signs on a 1-month loan from Derby. The youngster captains the Rams’ U21 side and although yet to play in the Championship, he impressed for them during a number of pre-season games.

Surprise League One leaders Tranmere Rovers sign Bolton striker Michael O'Halloran on loan following his brief, unfulfilled spell with United. Last season’s equally brief acquaintance Jeremy Helan departs on loan from European Cup chokers City to Sheffield Wednesday and Pompey have a new forward to stroll around the pitch for 90 minutes after picking up Jake Jervis.

Nov. 24th (Sat)

YEOVIL TOWN 1 CARLISLE UTD 3
The Huish Park ground staff did well to even get the game on in a week when much of Britain and especially the SW was effectively run back and forth inside a giant car wash. The game saw Beck really join the party for the first time topped off by scoring his first league goals for the club. The second one was a clear contender for goal of the season and he may never score a better one in his entire career as his sweetly timed half-volley from outside the box flew in past the keeper.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.6, Simek 6.8, Edwards 6.7, Livesey 7.3, Chantler 7.6, Robson 7.0, Symington 7.1, Potts 7.8 (star man), Berrett 6.8, Beck 7.6, Garner 7.3. Sub: McGovern 6.8.

Nov. 28th (Wed)

BARNSLEY RESERVE XI 1 CARLISLE UTD RESERVE XI 1
A welcome return to seeing Rory Loy’s name on the score sheet in this well-contested draw against a strong Barnsley side.

United XI: Gillespie, Thirlwell, Gjokaj, McGinty, Bugno (Berwick 60), McGovern, Todd, Noble (Lynch 82), Welsh, Loy, Higginbotham (Salmon 70).

Average player ratings up to and including away to Yeovil.

1st (1): Cadamarteri 6.87 (6)
2nd (4): Symington 6.40 (2)
3rd (3): Chantler 6.26 (4)
4 (2). Gillespie 6.25 (2)
5 (5). Robson 6.21 (3)
6 (6). Livesey 6.093 (1)
7 (12). Potts 6.088 (3)
8 (9). Miller 6.085 (-)
9 (10). Bugno 6.08 (-)
10 (14). Thirlwell 5.92 (-)
11 (11). Murphy 5.89 (1)
12 (13). Madden 5.83 (-)
13 (16). Garner 5.79 (1)
14 (7). Collin 5.65 (1)
15 (17). Noble 5.62 (1)
16 (8). Edwards 5.51 (1)
17 (15). Beck 5.24 (-)
18 (18). Berrett 5.22 (-)
19 (20). Jervis 4.98 (-)
20 (19). McGovern 4.96 (-)
21 (21). Simek 4.87 (-)
22 (-). Welsh 4.50 (-)
23 (22). Higginbotham 4.44 (1)

The first number in brackets is their previous position.

The end number in brackets is the tally of the games where they had the highest rating in the team (this is tied for some games).

Best and Worst 3 team performances based on the average player rating.

1) Yeovil (A) 7.17
2) Walsall (A) 6.98
3) Ipswich (H) 6.89 Cup
...
...
22) Tranmere (H) 4.80
23) Doncaster (H) 4.71
24) Orient (H) 3.01
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-10-09T20:06:16+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/d6fd174472679b477e16a55b27ed9f59-128.html#unique-entry-id-128http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/d6fd174472679b477e16a55b27ed9f59-128.html#unique-entry-id-128Oct. 2nd (Tue)

A late-in-the-day deluge gives rise to the postponement of the evening kick-off at Bury.

Oct. 3rd (Wed)

MORECAMBE YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 – FRIENDLY
The game was organised to give both teams’ first years more pitch time plus give some experience to a few of those due to join the youth set ups of both sides next season. Two from Danny Dixon followed an opener from Pat Brough to put United 3-0 up before a few jitters set in as the opposition brought it back to 2-3. Greg Peel then got the 4th to make the final minutes more comfortable.

Oct. 4th (Thu)

Striking square peg Paddy Madden goes to Yeovil on a month’s loan and immediately scores a brace on his debut two days later. So much for “have they seen him play” and similar comments!

Oct. 6th (Sat)

PRESTON N.E. YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0
A hard result to take against the new league leaders when the Blues had the better of the first half by some way and played well throughout.

WALSALL 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
In an entertaining match against a new-look but bright Walsall team, it took yet another turnaround in the team’s fortunes to get the victory. The side had to dig deep in order to recover from Walsall’s well worked goal and the crucial foothold was gained when Higginbotham’s cross was met by the head of Garner for his first goal in spell number two. Liam Noble came off the bench to first hit the post with one of his first touches and then pounce in injury time from a defensive slip up; rounding the keeper and slotting home to send the away fans into ecstasy.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7.67, Potts 7.33, Livesey 7.67, Edwards 6.00, Chantler 6.33, Berrett 5.00, Thirlwell 7.67, Robson 7.83, Higginbotham 5.67, Garner 7.33, Cadamarteri 8.00 (star man). Sub: Murphy 7.25.

Oct. 7th (Sun)

2,546 fans pay tribute to Peter Murphy in his testimonial match. Although the result (5-3 to the United All Stars) was largely academic, the game was played in a tremendous spirit much to the enjoyment of the crowd.

For the record, the returning All Stars featured Matt Glennon, Paul Arnison, Kevin Gray, Danny Livesey, Tom Cowan, Brendan McGill, Chris Billy, Chris Lumsdon, Peter Murphy, Danny Graham, Grant Holt, Matt Jansen, Keiren Westwood, Billy Barr, Ian Harte, Evan Horwood, Ben Marshall, Graham Anthony, Paul Murray, Simon Hackney, Andy Watson, Jimmy Glass, Mark Birch, Stuart Whitehead, Darren Edmondson, Neil Dalton, Tony Hopper, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Paul Simpson, Scott Dobie and Oooh George Oghani. The match was appropriately capped off by a full recreation of the Jimmy Glass goal in the 94th minute.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard.

Oct. 9th (Tue)

The Youth team get possibly the toughest draw, Crewe away, in the 1st Round of the FA Youth Cup. The game is being played on October 31st at Gresty Road.

Oct. 11th (Thu)

The 3-week trial of Femi thingymabob comes to an end with the youngster moving on. As usually cited in these situations, he wasn’t able to offer something better to the existing squad.

In Carlisle’s McFitness update, Dolly predicts Loy to be around 2-3 weeks from joining the rest of the lads in training while Miller is now out of plaster and strengthening up the ankle by lifting little Chantler by the legs in the weights room. McGovern’s previous hernia operation led to a re-infection that has had to be cleaned out (hope you’re not eating while reading this) and he’s now about 3 weeks away from a return.

Oct. 12th (Fri)

Both Joe Garner and the club are reportedly happy to extend the 1-month loan further and enter talks with Udinese Reserve side AC Watfordino.

Oct. 13th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 6 MORECAMBE YOUTH 1
Having gone a goal behind and despite missing the injured Salmon, the Youth team rolled their up sleeves and rolled over their opponents. Brough, Lynch, Thomson, Hodgson, Gwinnutt and Clarey all netted in this old-fashioned shoeing harking back either to the 1950s or the afternoon’s home game, depending on your preference.

CARLISLE UTD 0 NOTTS COUNTY 4
Carlisle’s home form seems to have plummeted to Earth faster than Felix Baumgartner and with the defence in especially generous mood and little quality elsewhere from the Cumbrians, County were free to show why they’re strongly fancied to go up this season. They even had the luxury of putting Zoko on the bench to then later revel in his role of scoring returnee in the second half.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.0, Potts 2.5, Livesey 5.0, Edwards 4.0, Chantler 5.5, Berrett 2.5, Thirlwell 4.5, Robson 6.5 (star man), Higginbotham 4.0, Garner 5.0, Cadamarteri 6.0. Sub: Simek 6.0, Noble 6.0, Beck 4.0.

Oct. 15th (Mon)

Serial Warwick Roof troubler Joe Garner extends his loan spell for a further month as expected and in a potential indication of his future employment, has been allowed to play for United during this season’s brief FA Cup adventure.

Oct. 16th (Tue)

BURY 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
It was better than the County match…. but only just. A hungry Bury side clearly had a point to prove in front of new manager Kevin Blackwell and chased everything all night. The Cumbrians took at least an hour to get into the game and it could and should have been more than 1 goal in arrears heading into the final stages of the game. Beck came off the bench to set up Garner in the last moments and snatch a barely deserved equaliser.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 5.0, Simek 5.0, Murphy 6.0, Edwards 5.0, Chantler 6.0, Berrett 4.5, Thirlwell 6.0, Robson 6.0, Noble 5.0, Higginbotham 3.5, Garner 6.0. Sub: Beck 6.0, Symington 6.5 (star man), Welsh 5.0.

Oct. 17th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD XI 3 LONGTOWN FC 0 - CUMBERLAND CUP 2ND ROUND
Welsh, Todd and Dempsey scored for the Cumbrians in a comfortable win.

Team: Collin, Morse, Staunch, Livesey, Bugno, Symington, Potts, Todd, Lynch, Welsh, Beck. Subs: Parker, Brough, Dempsey, Berwick, Minor.

Oct. 20th (Sat)

BURNLEY YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD 3
A remarkable come back from the home side who with less than 30 minutes on the clock, were trailing 3-0 to a rampant Carlisle team thanks to two goals from Brough and one from Dempsey. A quality side with a number of Youth internationals, the first goal back put the wind in the sails of the Burnley team and the Cumbrian youngsters bowed under the pressure.


COLCHESTER UTD 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
A game of wasted chances and one that Carlisle could and should have won several times over. As it was, 15 minutes of first-half madness sent the Blues tumbling down the table to 17th.

Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.5, Simek 4.0, Edwards 4.5, Murphy 7.5 (star man), Robson 5.0, Higginbotham 4.0, Noble 5.5, Berrett 4.5, Chantler 6.0, Garner 6.0, Cadamarteri 6.5. Subs: Symington 5.0, Potts 4.5, Beck 4.5.

Oct. 21st (Sun)

Liam Daish’s Conference strugglers Ebbsfleet United are drawn out of the hat as United’s first round opponents in this season’s FA Cup.

Oct. 23rd (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 3 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1
In front of the lowest league home attendance since a cold, Tuesday evening in the run up to a final at Cardiff back in March 2003; Carlisle finally broke their near 8-hour home scoring duck against a poor and physical Oldham side. Garner’s constant running and harrying was rewarded with two goals and Robson capped off a fine night with a third. A late, harsh penalty only took off a little bit of gloss in what appeared to be a deserved clean sheet for the Cumbrian defence.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.17, Simek 6.50, Edwards 6.17, Murphy 6.00, Robson 5.83, Thirlwell 5.83, Noble 7.50, Berrett 5.50, Chantler 6.17, Garner 8.17 (star man), Cadamarteri 6.00. Subs: Livesey 5.50

Meanwhile somewhere in a field in Shropshire, Madden’s incredible scoring run for Yeovil continues with his 5th goal in 4 games for the Glovers.

Oct. 25th (Thu)

Remember Mr Girls' name? Got his boots a bit dirty away at Exeter last season and little much else? Jeremy Helan goes out on loan at Shrewsbury for an initial month. If it's extended, we could be renewing acquaintances with him on December 15th.

Oct. 27th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 2 BOURNEMOUTH 4
Where to start? A shambolic defensive performance heaped more home misery on the few remaining faithful fans as well as further pressure on Greg. Buoyed by the re-appointment of prodigal son Eddie Howe, the seaside team and the lucky band of long-distance travellers who had escaped from their retirement homes for the day left Cumbria happy and with three easy points in the bag. The horror show at the back betrayed some decent stuff in the middle not to mention Symington’s fine goal towards the end, which was alas little more than a consolation. Just to cap it, Thirlwell’s love affair with Dolly’s treatment room continues as he goes over on his ankle and faces another month on the sidelines.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 3.00, Simek 2.50, Edwards 4.00, Murphy 5.00, Robson 7.50 (star man), Thirlwell 7.00, Noble 5.50, Berrett 5.00, Chantler 6.00, Garner 5.00, Cadamarteri 5.50. Subs: Symington 6.50, Beck 4.00.

Oct. 31st (Wed)

CREWE ALEX YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 – FA YOUTH CUP 1ST ROUND
This was always going to be a very tough game against a higher-level team with United missing three first-choice strikers in Clarey, Hodgson and Salmon. It still took until extra-time to separate the teams. Brough’s shot from 15 yards out across the goal and into the net off the base of the far-post gave Carlisle a 1-0 lead on 52. They held out well for another 20 until Moores equalised with a near identical goal. It took a great shot from Waters on 104 minutes to beat Parker and decide the tie and United felt aggrieved not to be given a penalty near the death.

Team: Parker, Gwinnutt, Minor, Staunch, Morse, Dempsey, Lynch (Hammill 86), Berwick, Thomson (Chisholm 109), Peel (Dixon 103), Brough.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-10-09T20:04:49+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ec29701c96b68525e170fb4184f967a5-127.html#unique-entry-id-127http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ec29701c96b68525e170fb4184f967a5-127.html#unique-entry-id-127Sep. 1st (Sat)

MORECAMBE YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
In a strong first-half showing, United opened the scoring in the 20th minute with Connor Thomson lashing a 22-yard drive into the far corner of the Morecambe net. A piece of sloppy defending from a free-kick routine allowed Morecambe to level early in the 2nd and things soon got worse when the aptly named Lynch was red carded for dissent. The sending off was shrugged off and the Blues stormed though the rest of the game and creating chance after chance. Dale Minor’s fine cross on 71 was met by Dempsey’s firm header into the back of the net. Carlisle made the game safe with eight minutes to go through Clarey following two blocked shots.


MK DONS 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
The team never quite got into the top gears and were short of inspiration on the day.

No player ratings given.

Sep. 3rd (Mon)

Youth products Mark Beck, Brad Potts and Dave Symington commit their immediate futures to Carlisle United by signing deals which keep them at the club until the end of June 2015. Striker Beck, 18, has made five senior appearances in total and scored once in the 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Ipswich Town last month. Defender Brad Potts, also 18, has made four starts for the club and has really come to prominence following an excellent start to the season. Midfielder Dave Symington, another 18-year-old, has made four appearances to date and capped a fine display with a match-winning goal against Ipswich.

Sep. 4th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 P***TON N.E. 1 – JPT 1st ROUND (PNE win 3-1 on penalties)
First blood to Preston in this season’s ‘battle of the M6’ after Carlisle’s penalty taking badly let them down. The highlight of the night was clearly McGovern’s terrifically driven volley into the bottom of the net. Just as United appeared to be gaining control of the game following the equaliser, Noble was daft enough to get sent off.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.50 (star man), Simek 4.67, Edwards 5.83, Murphy 5.50, Chantler 5.33, Noble 4.00, Berrett 4.50, McGovern 4.33, Jervis 4.50, Robson 6.33, Madden 5.33.

Sep. 6th (Thu)

Former loan star Ben Marshall, now at Leicester City, makes a deserved debut for England Under 21s in their 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan. Marshall came on for Zaha for the last half hour.

Sep. 7th (Fri)

Old Boys United aka Scunthorpe FC recruit Karl Hawley on loan to join Grella, Ribeiro and Reid.

Sep. 8th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 BURNLEY YOUTH 1
Salmon and Dempsey were the scorers against the old enemy with the latter in particular applying a fine finish.

HARTLEPOOL 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
A lacklustre first half saw United trailing to Poole’s low shot on 40 minutes. Jervis rounded the keeper and missed a sitter early in the second half before Howard hit the bar for the monkey hangers. Symington and Beck once again helped to inspire the team with the former setting up Cadamarteri for a 75th minute equaliser. Caddy then turned provider for Robson with the winger hitting a tight-angled drive past the keeper on 85.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7, Simek 6, Edwards 7, Murphy 7, Chantler 6, Thirlwell 6, Berrett 6, McGovern 5, Jervis 4, Robson 7, Cadamarteri 8 (star man). Subs: Beck 7, Symington 7.

Sep. 9th (Sun)

The day’s edition of the Sunday People prints a story saying that Huddersfield’s Kallum Higginbotham (snigger) is poised to join on a 3-month loan. The striker/winger previously played at Brunton Park for Falkirk in a pre-season friendly and clearly impressed the United management.

Sep. 11th (Tue)

CELTIC NATION 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 - CUMBERLAND CUP 1st ROUND
Aware of the potential banana skin, a strong Carlisle side were just good enough to see off big-spending Celtic Nation. Bugno and Madden scored the goals in a less-than-vintage performance.

United: Adam Collin, Brandon Gwinnutt, Alessio Bugno (Tom Berwick 75), Brad Potts, Danny Livesey (c) (Jack Lynch 63), Brad Staunch, David Symington (Alex Salmon 63), Josh Todd, Mark Beck, Paddy Madden, Andy Welsh.

O’Halloran (the one from Bolton) is told to do one after rumoured attitude problems.

Sep. 13th (Thu)

Kenny Oluwafemi Gbolahan Ademola Orenuga (try that on a shirt) or ‘Femi’ Orenuga as he is also known, joins the Blues on a short trial after his release from Everton following injury. As a 15 year-old, the winger became the youngest player to appear for Southend United when he came on as a 93rd minute substitute in their 3–1 victory over Luton Town in their FA Cup second round tie in November 2008.

Sep. 14th (Fri)

Just when the long suffering supporters at Portsmouth think things can’t get any worse, Lubo Michalik walks in through the gates of Fratton Park holding up a Pompey shirt.

Sep. 15th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 PORT VALE YOUTH 1
An uncharacteristic and disjointed display from United in windy conditions sees them fall to their first defeat of the season. The visitors scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute with their striker left completely unmarked to head down into the net from ten yards out.


CARLISLE UTD 2 SWINDON TOWN 2
Three goals in three crazy first-half minutes were remarkably the end of the scoring action after Jervis had given United the lead. At least 3 of the 4 goals were down to jittery defences and the second-half was a near siege on the Carlisle goal at times.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 8.00 (star man), Simek 4.67, Edwards 5.33, Murphy 5.00, Chantler 6.67, Thirlwell 4.67, Berrett 5.00, McGovern 5.00, Jervis 6.00, Robson 6.33, Cadamarteri 7.00. Subs: Beck 5.67, Symington 6.00, Livesey 6.67.

Former winger Simon Hackney signs for Blue Square Bet North side FC Halifax Town for the rest of the season. Lall’ Simon’s not had the best of luck with injuries in recent years and was kept to just 2 appearances last season for Rochdale. A close season trial with Wrexham also came to nothing.

Sep. 17th (Mon)

Tom Taiwo is finally successful in securing a dream move in order to be somewhere closer to his Yorkshire-based family ……. and signs for SPL side Hibernian.

Sep. 18th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 0 CREWE ALEX. 0
The pre-match buzz was all about the afternoon’s news on a returning star. He may not quite be the messiah and he’s often a naughty boy but either way, the club welcome back da-da-da-Joey-Joey-Garner on a 1-month loan from Watford. In the match itself, a fine Potts volley on 26 was probably the nearest United came to a goal against a well-drilled Crewe side until Garner joined the fray late on and hit the post.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 6.5, Simek 4.5, Livesey 6.5, Murphy 5.0, Chantler 6.5, Potts 7.0, Thirlwell 6.0, Robson 5.5, McGovern 6.0, Cadamarteri 8.0 (star man), Jervis 3.5.

Sep. 20th (Thu)

The Sunday People had it correct as Kallum Higginbotham comes in on loan. With Garner and Higginbotham both available, Jake Jervis returns to Brum.

Sep. 22nd (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 BLACKPOOL YOUTH 1
It’s a near stroll in the park for the rampant Youth team with goals from Kyle Dempsey, Greg Peel, Connor Thomson and Alex Salmon making it five wins from their first seven matches. Dempsey’s first on 33 was a fine curling effort from just outside the 'D' into the far top corner of the net via the keeper’s left hand. Clarey laid on a pass across to Peel for a neat side-footed 12-yard finish back into the near corner of the net for 2-0 on 65 and despite one being pulled back soon afterwards, the third soon arrived when Thomson drove across the keeper from 12 yards. A trademark 25-yard piledriver from Salmon completed the scoring on 85.


COVENTRY CITY 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
A nostalgic fixture from the glory days of 74/5 saw Carlisle come up trumps once again playing so-called ‘big league’ opposition (just as both Sheffield clubs, Forest, Leeds and Southampton amongst others). The new up front pairing of Joe Garner and Danny Cathasatemytea showed promising signs of clicking together as first a penalty and then a Livesey header separated the teams. For new manager Mark Robins, his chips were well and truly drowned and not in vinegar.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 5.17, Simek 5.42, Livesey 7.42, Murphy 6.00, Chantler 6.50, Berrett 6.00, Thirlwell 7.25, Robson 6.46, McGovern 6.17, Cadamarteri 8.67 (star man), Garner 6.67.

Sep. 24th (Mon)

John Ward’s financial adviser remains the happiest, most employed man in the world as he wonders what to advise with the proceeds of the latest compensation cheque with “payee CUFC” in the top corner.

The Femi Orenuga trial is extended for a further week.

Sep. 26th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD 0 SPURS 3 - CAPITAL ONE CUP 3RD ROUND
With a bumper 12,625 crowd and live national coverage on Radio 5, the spotlight returned to Cumbria for the first time in a few years. A strong Tottenham side featuring professionals such as Dempsey, Vertonghen, Huddlestone, Dawson, Sigurdsson and Caulker was always unlikely to be beaten although United gave a good account of themselves, particularly as they took the game to Spurs in the early stages.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7, Simek 5, Livesey 7, Murphy 6, Chantler 8 (star man), Berrett 6, Thirlwell 6, Robson 6, McGovern 6, Cadamarteri 7, Higginbotham 5.

Sep. 28th (Fri)

Scott Dobie cuts short his 3-month trial with York City.

Sep. 29th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 0 CRAWLEY 2
The first half was a tale of missed chances with Garner being the most culpable. It was therefore inevitable that a slip and a game of “no, after you Nathan” led to Crawley taking the lead and while the side were still metaphorically winded, a cruelly deflected shot gave them an unassailable lead as the Blues passing slowly disintegrated.

*Player Ratings: Gillespie 7.00 (= star man), Simek 3.25, Livesey 5.00, Murphy 5.00, Chantler 7.00 (= star man), Berrett 4.75, Thirlwell 5.00, Robson 6.75, McGovern 3.50, Garner 3.75, Cadamarteri 7.00 (= star man).
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-08-26T08:26:18+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a725fdceb835387e025f78267beff94f-126.html#unique-entry-id-126http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a725fdceb835387e025f78267beff94f-126.html#unique-entry-id-126Aug. 1st (Wed)

Mamma Mia, we have signed a left-back!! Alessio Bugno has swapped the fine weather and wine of Lombardy, Italy for two years of rain, hills and Cumberland sausage. Throw in the sheep and you can see why he did it…….

Aug. 3rd (Fri)

CARLISLE UTD 1 MIDDLESBOROUGH 2 (FRIENDLY)
After a slightly disappointing first half from United in which Boro took the lead on 30 minutes from Curtis Main, they were made to work hard for their win with Miller scoring on 54 and other chances going begging. Cameron Park’s goal on 65 separated the teams in the end.

United: Gillespie, Potts, Edwards (Livesey 59), Murphy, Bugno, Noble, Berrett, Chantler (Thirlwell 59), Welsh (Donaldson 59), Robson (Hopson 74), Miller (Beck 80). Subs - Collin, Symington.

Zoko signs a 2-year deal with Notts. County. So much for the Championship then Francois!

Aug. 4th (Sat)

BLACKBURN ACADEMY 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 (FRIENDLY)
A useful workout with a free lesson in finishing thrown in against a category 1 academy side.

Dale Hopson misses out on a deal after his month-long trial with the midfielder having to compete in Carlisle’s strongest area. Ryan Donaldson will stay for another week with the club. When it comes to strikers, anyone with a pair of boots has a chance.

Jazzy Jeff Smith becomes the latest United old boy to join the ranks of Celtic Nation and alongside familiar names such as Graham Anthony, Paul Arnison and Adam Boyd. At this rate Grumpy Old Blue will be buying a season ticket.

Aug. 7th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 10 ANNAN U-20 1 (FRIENDLY)
A walk in the park for the Youth team with goals from Greg Peel (4), Pat Brough (2), Jamie Clarey (2) and Alex Salmon (2).

MORECAMBE 2 CARLISLE UTD 1 (FRIENDLY)
United send out a mixed team of youth and experience, which goes down despite Robson’s fine free kick.

Conference new boys Nuneaton Borough capture the signature of released defender Stephen O’Halloran in quite a coup.

Aug. 8th (Wed)

Meades, the ex-Cardiff City trialist who played a few games until being let go at the end of July, looks set to join Bournemouth according to the BBC having played in the Cherries’ friendly at the weekend versus Reading.

Aug. 10th (Fri)

Rochdale are the lucky club to have negotiated a one-year deal with Craig Curran.

After months of fingernail-biting tension and waiting only matched by the final descent of NASA’s ‘Curiosity’ lander on Mars, United finally unveil their new Stobart-inspired away kit for the 2012/3 season. The kit features their famous green in a two-tone stripe pattern.

Aug. 11th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 ACCRINGTON STANLEY YOUTH 0
A prelude to the afternoon’s events sees the Youth team romp to an opening day victory thanks to goals from Berwick on 15, Peel on 20 and Clarey on 76.

CARLISLE UTD 1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY 0 – CAPITAL ONE CUP 1ST ROUND
A fairly comfortable win in the end once the team had scored through Matty Robson and settled down during a better second half. Apart from a couple of roughshod challenges from the visitors, there was still the air of a slightly glorified friendly about the game and the search for a striker to support Lee Miller needs to continue while the likes of Loy and Madden have to watch from the stands.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33, Potts 6.33, Livesey 6.33, Edwards 6.67, Bugno 7.00, Chantler 7.00, Noble 6.33, Berrett 6.67, Miller 6.67, McGovern 5.33, Robson 7.33 (star man). Subs: Symington 5.50, Beck 5.50.

Aug. 14th (Tue)

MIDDLESBOROUGH XI 1 CARLISLE UTD XI 2 (FRIENDLY)
A decent looking United side gained revenge for the recent friendly with a lively Cadamarteri making his return from injury. It was his run that led to a free-kick just outside the box, which was duly smashed in by the latest caped Marvel Avenger ‘Hammer Foot!’ (or Dave Symington as his 9 to 5 persona is better known).

United: Gillespie, Simek, Staunch, Murphy, Minor, Todd, Thirlwell, Welsh, Symington, Beck, Cadamarteri. Subs: Parker, Berwick, Dempsey, Gwinnutt, Salmon.

Aug. 15th (Wed)

Carlisle’s reward for Saturday’s victory is a home tie against Championship side Tractors Boyz FC. Since the turnip growers have been to Brunton Park four times in their history and had to lick their wounds on each occasion, they can’t exactly be looking forward to their 5th visit on a Tuesday night at the end of August.

Aug. 18th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 PRESTON N.E. YOUTH 0
A hard fought win in a physical match continued the Youth team’s fine start to the season. The visitors arrived as the incumbent champions and started their own campaign with a 5-1 win over Blackpool. The teams were separated by two second-half goals from striker Alex Salmon.

STEVENAGE 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
On a scorching day with it hitting over 30 degrees on the mercury the ref, who had a decent game, sensibly split each half with a drinks break. A good start from the Blues with some patient passing and a bit of Miller pickpocketing set up Noble with a chance from the edge of the box on 13. It was stroked past Day in goal but hit the far post. The drinks break only served to break up our rhythm and a knock to Miller compounded things. We continued to sit back at the start of the 2nd and it was only a matter of time before Cadamarteri debuted for the limping Miller. After starting to get a little more control of things, Caddy took out his sand wedge to chip the back line and send the marauding Robson clear on goal. Cue great finish across the keeper and the away end going bananas. Despite looking comfortable and just minutes from time, a snap shot was poorly parried by Collin and Shroot pounced on the error.

*Player Ratings: Collin 5.5, Potts 6.0, Livesey 7.5 (= star man), Edwards 7.5 (= star man), Bugno 6.5, Thirlwell 7.0, Noble 6.0, Berrett 5.5, Miller 5.5, McGovern 4.5, Robson 6.0. Subs: Cadamarteri 7.5 (= star man).

United’s road to Wembley in this year’s JPT will be barred by no less than Preston NE after the Blues draw them at home. The tie will be played w/c September 3rd.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard.

Aug. 21st (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 0 TRANMERE ROVERS 3
Just to prove that lightening can strike twice, United are yet again given a 3-0 first-home-match-of-the-season stuffing. This time the architect was the perennial nemesis Andy Robinson, including a couple of stunning free-kicks. The search for a replacement striker with news of Miller being out for possibly months just got another 200% more desperate………

*Player Ratings: Collin 4.50, Simek 4.50, Livesey 4.00, Edwards 5.25, Bugno 4.75, Thirlwell 3.50, Noble 4.25, Berrett 4.50, Cadamarteri 6.00, McGovern 3.00, Robson 6.00. Subs: Beck 5.00, Chantler 6.50 (star man), Symington 5.50

Aug. 22nd (Wed)

20 year-old Birmingham City striker Jake ‘have map will travel’ Jervis signs on a 1-month loan deal. The youngster has previously had loan spells with Swindon Town, Preston and Notts. County and scored 7 goals from 15 starts (plus 4 from the bench) whilst on his travels last season. Jervis also signed a new one-year deal with the Brummies during the summer.

YTS Player of the Year Josh Todd, who’s only just getting through his pre-season following injury, goes on a (largely fruitless) one-month loan to Workington. He was back in the United squad for the cup game on September 11th.

Aug. 25th (Sat)

FLEETWOOD YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1
Pat Brough’s goal capped a good first half performance against the league’s new boys however, the foot came off the pedal in the second 45 minutes to give the home side a share of the points.


CARLISLE UTD 4 PORTSMOUTH 2
Not a game for those with a weak heart. Jervis took just 13 minutes on his Beckford-like debut to head in from McGovern’s fine cross. A Livesey header on 47 doubled the lead but the end-to-end game always seemed destined to have more goals. The end was almost freakish, Pompey first reduced to 10 men before pulling one back on 88. Berrett reacted first to a blocked Jervis shot to make it 3-1 on 93 and yet straight from the kick-off, the south coast team went up the field and scored again. With seconds left, Madden finished well to score his first of the season.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Simek 5.00, Livesey 6.88, Murphy 6.50, Chantler 7.23 (star man), Noble 6.13, Berrett 6.13, Cadamarteri 6.50, Jervis 6.88, McGovern 6.00, Robson 4.25. Subs: Madden 5.50

Aug. 28th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 2 IPSWICH TOWN 1 - CAPITAL ONE CUP 2ND ROUND
United won a pulsating game thanks to two goals of high quality, the first a cracking header from Beck after Robson’s cross and the second a sublime 1-2 with Beck where Symington ran on to it under pressure and rifled it in. Next up, some team called Tottenham Hotspur.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.83, Potts 7.17, Edwards 7.67, Murphy 7.50, Chantler 7.17, Noble 6.50, Berrett 5.67, Thirlwell 6.50, Cadamarteri 7.25, McGovern 5.67, Robson 6.50. Subs: Madden 6.67, Symington 8.00 (star man), Beck 7.33.


Missing man Tom Aldred, still in the middle of a 2-year contract at Colchester, signs a 1-month loan deal with Conference Premier Cumbria wannabees Barrow.

Aug. 29th (Wed)

Scott Dobie agrees to a 3-month deal with York City.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-07-13T22:36:16+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/080e7afa26f840326cf0c125ea84d07f-124.html#unique-entry-id-124http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/080e7afa26f840326cf0c125ea84d07f-124.html#unique-entry-id-124July 2nd (Mon)

Carlisle’s goal-getting midfielder James Berrett agrees a new 2-year deal. One player not coming our way is Stuart Parnaby after he re-signs for Middlesborough ending speculation after talks with the versatile defender.

According to reports, local non-league outfit Gilford Park FC are set to change their name to Celtic Nation. No, really.

July 3rd (Tue)

There’s further relief that United will go into the new season with at least one right-back at the club as Hey Frankie! Simek signs on the dotted line for another year.

Former stopper Ben Williams rejects a new contract at Colchester as he looks to a move to get championship football. Eight days later and he showed up at SPL side Hibernian while Preston no-show Richard Wright was strongly linked with Williams’ old job at Colchester.

July 5th (Thu)

Five new trialists will join up for pre-season training in the hope of gaining a contract at the end of it; left-back Alessio Bugno, Aaran Taylor as previously confirmed, centre-half Harrison Blakey, defender Jonathan Meades and midfielder Dale Hopson. Bugno has played with Monza in Italy, Blakey was a youngster with Huddersfield, Meades likewise at Cardiff and Hopson has a dozen or starts with Darlington.

July 6th (Fri)

After surprisingly being transfer listed by Leeds following a full season in their colours, former loan star Adam Clayton moves to Huddersfield for an undisclosed fee as Grayson looks to complete a full suite of ex-loan midfielders; Oliver Norwood having joined just a week earlier.

The Brett Ormerod rumour is put to bed (a bit like Brett really in the afternoon) with his move to Wrexham.

July 7th (Sat)

The latest roll on the “Where’s Zoko Going?” board game sees the piece move five squares to one marked Bramall Lane.

July 9th (Mon)

As if driving several nails into our 84/5 relegation coffin and then beating us 3 times last season wasn’t enough already, Carlisle loses out to Charlton in the race to sign to Jordan Cook after his release from Sunderland.

Scunny are the latest to attempt a Carlisle old boys club with the signature of Mike Grella and Christian Ribeiro on the same day and on 2-year deals. Grella, 25, finished last season on a short-term deal at Bury, having started the campaign at Brentford. No laughing please, his new manager is quoted saying "He believes he's a Championship player and we hope that we can help him get back there, ideally with us."

July 10th (Tue)

The News & Star reports that belts are being seriously tightened at the club with a number of jobs at risk of being axed as a result of the club’s annual review of its business operations and a planned restructure due for around late July.

July 11th (Wed)

Now into the swing of his testimonial year, Murph formally signs the one-year extension offer given at the end of the season.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard.

July 13th (Fri)

KENDAL 0 CARLISLE UTD 3 (FRIENDLY)
Carlisle got off to winning ways in their traditional pre-season opener at Kendal. Bugno, Lindsey and Hopson all played in the first half that saw Gillespie pull off some fine saves to prevent Kendal taking the lead. United eventually settled down and went ahead when Cadamarteri crossed for Miller score with a header 5 yards out. A completely new XI for the second half featured trialists Meades and Blakey in the full-back positions. Berrett made it 2-0 on 48 with an 18-yard shot and Beck added a third on 67 with a simple header after Madden had hit the underside of the Kendal bar with his own header. The game was noted for Chantler impressing in a new midfield role.

July 14th (Sat)

CLEATOR MOOR CELTIC 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 (FRIENDLY)
Peel, Clarey, Lynch, Dixon and a trialist were all on the scoresheet for the Youth team in their first pre-season friendly. The game was wrapped up by half-time with a 5-2 lead opened up.

According to the Preston message board, there’s now the roll of a number 2 on the “Where’s Zoko Going?” board game with the piece moving across to Deepdale.

July 16th (Mon)

Harrison Blakey and Ross Lindsay depart the club after not offering anything better than the present squad. Two more arrive in the shape of Mark Kerr and Jim McAlister. 26-year old McAlister was originally a striker in Morton's youth team only to drop further back down the pitch through a left side of midfield role and now into his current full-back spot. He was released at the end of 2009/10 after making almost 300 appearances and scoring 20 goals for them and signed for Hamilton on a two-year contract, where he made 58 starts, 6 substitute appearances and scored one goal before being let go by the Accies this summer.
30-year old Kerr is a defensive midfielder who has played for Falkirk, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Greek side Asteras Tripoli and Dunfermline.

July 17th (Tue)

WORKINGTON TOWN 0 CARLISLE UTD 5 (FRIENDLY)
Two goals from Symington and one from Beck, Welsh and Cadamarteri secured an easy victory for the ‘visitors from the big city’.

With nods to boarder Moorlad for the report:
“Bugno looked to be very pacey and would not be out of place at our level I believe. Edwards was strong and classy, organised all the defensive play and was unhurried at all times, good display. McAlister was pretty good, clever on the ball and made a few interesting runs. Chantler looks well suited to the midfield role he was played in and Thirlwell made a few forward passes, one a defence splitter which was flagged for offside. Cadamarteri looked a proper class act, obviously he wasn't putting himself about too much so wasn't completely committed, but some deft touches and excellent movement showed he'll be useful. I can't wait to see him with Miller they'll scare League 1 defenders ***ess.

Symington might prove a handy addition, he got himself in some good positions, wasn't phased at all for a young lad, and was unlucky not to score a third. Beck needs to work on his strength, and his heading, but could end up a real handful for defenders.”

And -
“…. think Cadamarteri was on a different level to a lot of the players around him. One particular run in the box was something I've not seen a Carlisle forward do in years. I don't think he was pushing himself, and I don't think some players realise where he'll make his runs yet, and where he's likely to lay the ball off to. Some of his touches were excellent, his first touch is really good when compared to the likes of Madden (who ran a lot, got into good positions and was wasteful generally - except the ball in for the first goal), and his movement and pace were very good. His awareness also seemed to be a good step ahead of most of our players (except Welsh). If Miller had been up front with him it would certainly have finished in double figures last night..”

United first half: Collin, Simek, Murphy, Madden, Thirlwell, Kerr, Beck, Edwards, Bugno, McAlister, Hopson.
United second half: Gillespie, Robson, Berrett, Livesey, Welsh, Noble, Chantler, Cadamarteri, Potts, Symington, Meades

Rumours are that Lubo has lost out on a deal at Hibs after too large a wedge for his services.

Derwent Park, the home of Workington Town RLFC, finds out that they have been chosen as the venue for the Tonga v Scotland and Scotland v Italy matches in the 2013 Rugby World Cup. This follows a successful bid from Allerdale Borough Council that involved a substantial sum close to £500,000 being spent on the ground.

July 18th (Wed)

CELTIC NATION 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 (FRIENDLY)
An entertaining game against the former Gilford Park outfit saw the Youth team take an early lead from Watson. Former United player Steve Skinner then equalised and a second for them before half-time seemed to be the winner. Young Danny Hodgson’s close range shot on the stroke of full-time meant it was honours even.

July 20th (Fri)

Richard Keogh moves from Coventry City to Derby County for a sizeable wedge and one that United earn a tidy 20% of ……..*probably.
* trust me, these things are more complicated than the Syrian peace process

July 23rd (Mon)

Journalists report that Tom Taiwo has been offered a deal with Bradford City after impressing for them in a friendly but that due to the considerable compensation wanted by Carlisle, the move won’t go ahead.

July 24th (Tue)

DURHAM 0 CARLISLE UTD 3 (FRIENDLY)
Beck’s hat-trick completed a comfortable win for United. Striker Ryan Donaldson impresses in his first appearance.

Gillespie, Simek (Edwards 46), Livesey (Murphy 46), Potts, Bugno, Noble (Berrett 74), Hopson, Kerr, Symington, Donaldson, Beck.

Trialist keeper Aaran Taylor ends his spell at Brunton Park following three weeks of training with the first team squad.

July 27th (Fri)

CARLISLE UTD 1 ST MIRREN 0 (FRIENDLY)
Lee Miller scored the only after the Scottish side fell asleep at the back. Bugno was warmly applauded following his substitution after another assured performance.

United: Collin (Gillespie 46), Potts, Livesey, Edwards (Murphy 61), Bugno (Meades 61), Chantler (Thirlwell 70), Noble, Berrett, Welsh (Symington 70), Miller (Beck 70), Robson (Hopson 70).

Mark Kerr leaves the club to pursue other options north of the border.

July 28th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 WARWICK WANDERERS 3 (FRIENDLY)
Cumberland League Premier Division side Warwick Wanderers brush aside the Youth team thanks to two late goals. Substitute Danny Dixon had just earlier equalised for United on 81 minutes.

July 30th (Mon)

Versatile full-back Jonathan Meades narrowly misses out on a deal after impressing during his weeks at the club. The decision was in many ways, down to the equally fine form of Bugno and the performance of up-and-coming youngster Potts against St .Mirren. Both Bugno and Hopson will stay for an additional week of training.

July 31st (Tue)

QUEEN OF THE SOUTH XI 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 (FRIENDLY)
Goals from Connor Hammill and Greg Peel set up a draw against QoS.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-07-13T22:34:38+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/06eb092453b6e5319a4db52da1b13461-123.html#unique-entry-id-123http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/06eb092453b6e5319a4db52da1b13461-123.html#unique-entry-id-123June 1st (Fri)

Adam Collin will still be looking over his shoulder at a builders’ yellow/ bright purple goalkeeper shirt filled by the familiar face of Mark Gillespie next season as the young understudy agrees a new 2-year deal.

June 2nd (Sat)

As if five options weren’t enough, the League U-turns the decision made 12 months earlier to reduce the number of splinter-botherers from seven.

June 4th (Mon)

Long-serving stalwart Danny ‘took us to Stoke City’ Livesey, still only 27, agrees to a new 1-year deal.

June 6th (Wed)

As anticipated by many, the mercurial Zoko confirms that he will not be returning to the club next season as he tries to find a club at Championship level. Another forward on the move with an ‘any port in a storm’ philosophy is previous star-of-the-future Andy Cook as he goes from Barrow to Grimsby. Perhaps he likes fish?

June 11th (Mon)

Highly experienced central defender Mike Edwards takes up Carlisle’s offer of a 2-year contract over the 1-year on the table with his present club, Notts. County. Known as The Rock of Gibraltar to the departing fans after 8 years and 300 games there, he comes highly regarded as a tough and dependable defender as well as a good character to have in the dressing room. The internet messsageboard not surprisingly goes into meltdown with comparisons to Kevin Gray.

While Lubo was expected to turn down his contract offer, there’s general disappointment in the news that Tom Taiwo has decided to look for a club nearer his Leeds home citing family reasons.

June 12th (Tue)

Rotherham are strongly linked to a move for JP McGovern, a rumour strong enough to suggest that talks were quite advanced and that the clubs had possibly come close to an arrangement.

June 21st (Thu)

United bring in winger/striker Danny Cadamarteri on a two-year deal. Half of the London Branch football team weren’t even out of nappies when Yorkshire-born Cadamarteri, now 32, made his debut for the Toffees in a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea during the 1996/97 campaign. After stints with Bradford City, Leeds United, Sheffield United, Leicester City and Dundee United, he was released by Huddersfield Town after his second spell with the Terriers.

On the same day, former shirt filler Kevan Hurst goes on a free from Walsall to Southend on a 2-year deal.

June 28th (Thu)

Less than positive news comes on the club’s progress with Parnaby and Cook with both talking to Championship clubs. The words “resort”, “Carlisle” and “last” spring to mind.

Not-quite-up-to-scratch Tom Cruise goes on a free from Arsenal to Torquay United while David Raven hops over the wall and joins Inverness. That’ll be a change of scenery.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-07-13T22:31:30+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/c01571cae6b36bb25da0a5d95669424b-122.html#unique-entry-id-122http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/c01571cae6b36bb25da0a5d95669424b-122.html#unique-entry-id-122May 1st (Tue)

Former loan left-back Ribeiro is released by Bristol City.

May 2nd (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD 2 HARRABY CATHOLIC CLUB 1
A hardly vintage display against the local side, the phrase ‘done just enough’ spring to mind. Goals from Potts and Beck, the winner being in the last minute of normal time, separated the sides.

United: Gillespie, Gwinnutt (Brough 46), Minor (Berwick 65), Potts, Todd, O'Halloran, Lynch, Thirlwell, Beck, Madden, Symington.

Adam Clayton is surprisingly transfer listed by Nasty Leeds.

May 3rd (Thu)

Young winger Ben Mckenna is told he can leave the club after an injury-plagued season. Following him out of the exit door is defender Steven Swinglehurst despite the profit potential of replica shirt sales.

May 5th (Sat)

OLDHAM ATH. 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
A game with no bearing on the play-offs after wins for both Stevenage and Notts. County, the latter comfortably seeing off John Ward’s Colchester ‘let’s all lie down like lambs and get slaughtered’ United. Tom Taiwo came off the bench for an ineffective Madden to score a fine header to bring the game all square however parity lasted just the four minutes as more slack, set-piece defending allowed Oldham to score the winner.

*Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 6, Livesey 7 (=star man), Robson 5.5, Michalik 4.5, Noble 7 (=star man), McGovern 6.5, Welsh 3.5, Berrett 6, Zoko 6.5, Madden 3. Subs: Taiwo 7 (=star man).

May 6th (Sun)

The evening’s award ceremony sees Lee Miller’s dusting and polishing bill treble after deservedly scooping several awards.

Most Improved YTS Player - Mark Beck
YTS Player of the Season - Josh Todd
Cufconline Player of the Season - Lee Miller
CUSC London Branch Player of the Season - Lee Miller
BBC Radio Cumbria Derek Lacey Award - Peter Murphy
Peter Jackson the Jeweller MoM Award - Lee Miller
Special Award from Supporters' Away Travel - Peter Murphy

Goal of the Season

1st place - Liam Noble v Bury
2nd place - Lee Miller v Huddersfield Town
3rd place - James Berrett v Huddersfield Town

Away Supporters Player of the Season - Adam Collin
CUST Player of the Season - Lee Miller

Fans' Player of the Season

1st place - Lee Miller
2nd place - Francois Zoko
3rd place - Peter Murphy

Players' Player of the Year - Lee Miller

Overall MB Ratings for the 2011/2 season

There were a few games particularly towards the start where none were posted, these being the cup ties at Oldham, Aldershot, Accrington and Charlton plus the league games against Rochdale (A), Bournemouth (H) and MK Dons (H).

The figures in brackets are their number of rated matches followed by a count of those games where they had the highest rating (effectively ‘man of the match’). This was occasionally shared amongst 2 or 3 players.

Example “Chantler (11-4)” = 11 rated games, 4 of which his average score was the highest of the XI used including subs.

Chantler (11-4) 7.22
Livesey (28-4) 7.15
Miller (32-9) 7.14
Murphy (36-5) 6.72
Cook (11-2) 6.61
Zoko (39-7) 6.55
Noble (38-3) 6.529
Taiwo (32-3) 6.528
Ribeiro (6-0) 6.43
Tavernier (13-1) 6.39
Loy (18-3) 6.38
Collin (44-4) 6.35
McGovern (43-1) 6.17
Berrett (40-0) 6.10
Robson (25-0) 5.85
Michalik (34-2) 5.80
Welsh (15-1) 5.68
Thirlwell (23-2) 5.65
Simek (24-0) 5.56
Madden (12-0) 5.33
Curran (6-0) 4.36
Parker (5-0) 3.41

Also rated (fewer than 5 games)
O’Halloran (2-1) 7.13
Helan (1-0) 5.00

May 7th (Mon)

Craig Curran and Stephen O’Halloran are released by the club at the end of their deals. Contract offers are given to James Berrett, Mark Gillespie, Danny Livesey, Lubomir Michalik, Peter Murphy, Frank Simek, Tom Taiwo and Francois Zoko. The players are given 30 days to make up their mind, a figure arrived at by the time it takes Lubo’s synapses to fully engage.

May 8th (Tue)

Kinder announces that midfielder Tom Berwick will captain the Youth side for 2012/3.

Rotherham is the first of many to be linked with a move for Zoko.

O’Westwood makes the Irish squad for Euro 2012.

May 9th (Wed)

Kevan Hurst and Simon Hackney are released by their clubs with wee Simon meant to be training with Barnet.

Hull City sack Nick Barmby and are naturally linked with Abbott as a replacement manager.

May 11th (Fri)

Championship or soon-to-be-ex-Championship side Barnsley are rumoured to be planning a deal for Lubo.

May 12th (Sat)

63 year-old Blackpool forward Brett Omerod is due to train with Carlisle during the close season according to rumours.

May 16th (Wed)

Former Carlisle player John Gorman announces his retirement from football following the end of MK Dons’ season.

May 17th (Thu)

Scunny’s Garry Thompson is linked with a move to Carlisle following his release. The player who operates in the forward line hails from Kendal and now 31 years old, his recent injury record makes sick note Anderton look fantastic.

May 18th (Fri)

Zoko tweets what appears to be a message that’s turned down the contract offer at Carlisle in favour of the opportunity for more lucre elsewhere. The generally hyperbolic (or certainly “bolic”) Football Transfer Rumours website has David McGoldrick moving to Brunton Park from Forest with Zoko moving the other way.

May 19th (Sat)

Begging phone call alert; Jordan Cook is released by Sunderland.

May 22nd (Tue)

Paddy Madden receives a late call-up to the Eire U21 squad for games against Denmark and Italy, the latter being a European Championship qualifier.

May 31st (Thu)

If you’re ever left with a load of ‘A’ tiles in proper-noun Scrabble, you can always throw down United’s latest goalkeeping trialist, Aaran Taylor. The 25 year-old has been at Workington for a number of seasons and will link up during pre-season training.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-05-07T21:14:25+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/63c8626b81b137c4d0cb6a7d968734a3-121.html#unique-entry-id-121http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/63c8626b81b137c4d0cb6a7d968734a3-121.html#unique-entry-id-121Apr. 3rd (Tue)

CARLISLE UNITED XI 4 GILLFORD PARK 0 – CUMBERLAND CUP SEMI-FINAL
Josh Todd, Paddy Madden, Brad Potts and Andy Welsh all found the onion bag as United progressed to the final as expected. Several former Blues were in the Park side including Lee Hoolickin, Graham Anthony, Craig Wilson, Michael Brown, Michael Reed, Marc Shield and James Earl. Potts’ 25-yard belter on 25 minutes to make it 3-0 was the pick of the bunch and effectively ended the game as a contest. The team will now meet Harraby Catholic Club on Tuesday, May 1st at 7pm.

United: Gillespie, McGlen, Michalik (Symington 68), O'Halloran, Robson (Minor 46), Thirwell, Potts, Todd, Madden, Beck, Welsh.

Apr. 4th (Wed)

Greg Abbott is nominated with Ronnie Moore of Tranmere and Dave Jones of Sheffield Wednesday for March’s Manager of the Month award. It’s confirmed a couple of days later that he’s narrowly missed the curse with the award going to Jones.

Apr. 6th (Fri)

WYCOMBE W. 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
A number of talking points in a fine end-to-end game, the main one being Noble’s one on one with the keeper being ended by his pursuer shoving him in the back and neither giving away a penalty or going off for an early bath. Some of the heat from the incident was taken away by Carlisle almost immediately going back up the pitch and scoring after Zoko’s fine run had brought a first time shot from McGovern that cannoned off the crossbar and hit the defender tracking back before settling in the corner of the net. Chances were few and far between after that and it looked 1-0 all the way until a cruel equaliser as the match entered injury time, even more so after another New York style assault on Miller in the Wycombe build up.

Player Ratings (MK): Collin 7, Simek 6, Chantler (injured), Livesey 7, Murphy 7, McGovern 6, Taiwo 8, Noble 7, Berrett 7, Zoko 7, Miller 7. Sub: Michalik 7.

Apr. 7th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 PORT VALE YOUTH 1
The Youth team seem determined to finish the season in style and goals from Todd (2), Potts, Symington and Brough set up the victory in a fine team display.

Apr. 9th (Mon)

CARLISLE UTD 0 SCUNTHORPE UTD 0
Scunny’s 11-man defence was just too good on the day as a way couldn’t be found past one of the form teams in the division.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 6, Michalik 6, Livesey 7, Murphy 6, McGovern 6, Taiwo 8 (star man), Noble 6, Berrett 6, Zoko 6, Cook 7.

Apr. 11th (Wed)

The fear that Miller and Chantler will miss the rest of the campaign is confirmed by the results of respective scans on their groin and hamstring injuries.


United's stadium manager David Mitchell is deservedly shortlisted as a finalist in the Unsung Hero category of The Stadium Business Awards. The awards recognise various achievements from across the global stadium industry and this year’s ceremony takes place in Milan on May 15th.

Apr. 13th (Fri)

SHREWSBURY YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
Brough, Todd and Potts scored the goals as Carlisle came from behind twice to move themselves clear in 4th place and joint highest scorers in the league with 57 goals from 22 games.

Apr. 14th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 0 CHARLTON ATH 1
The Addicks completed a hat-trick of promotion wins at Brunton Park going back to the early 80s. The best of several chances for Carlisle came early in the second half when Cook’s ball was stepped over by McGovern allowing Noble to drill his shot on the angle past the keeper but unfortunately, onto the inside of the post and out into play. The chance was a wake-up call to Charlton who went up a gear and tested Collin with a number of well-saved efforts before Wright-Phillips inevitably poached the winner from a knock-back following a corner. Youth team player Mark Beck enjoyed a lively 10 minutes at the end after coming on for his debut.

*Player Ratings: Collin 8.5 (= star man), Simek 7.0, Livesey 7.5, Murphy 8.0, Michalik 7.0, McGovern 6.5, Taiwo 7.5, Noble 8.5 (= star man), Berrett 7.0, Zoko 7.5, Cook 8.5 (= star man).


35 year-old Brett Ormerod, presently at Blackpool, is one of those rumoured as being lined up to train with Carlisle over the summer with a view to a deal. Won’t be the last.

Apr. 16th (Mon)

The final results of the CUFC Online messageboard Player of the Season are in after a total of 113 votes were given, these being cast as follows:

Lee Miller 71
Peter Murphy 24
Tom Taiwo 7
Liam Noble 4
Danny Livesey 2
Jon-Paul McGovern 2
Francois Zoko 2
Chris Chantler 1

The potential League 1 Play-Off dates are released by the league

1st Leg 6th v 3rd - Friday 11th May 2012, kick-off 7.45pm
1st Leg 5th v 4th - Saturday 12th May 2012, kick-off 12.30pm

2nd Leg 3rd v 6th - Monday 14th May 2012, kick-off 7.45pm
2nd Leg 4th v 5th - Tuesday 15th May 2012, kick-off 7.45pm

The Final will take place at Wembley on Saturday 26th May 2012, with a 3pm kick-off.

Apr. 17th (Tue)

Stadium Manager Dave Mitchell once again scoops the Division One “Look, you can play bowls on that!” award for 2011/2.

STEVENAGE 1 CARLISLE UTD 0
Could this be the end of the play-off dream? Stevenage started well with the wing-backs doubling up on the wing and causing Murph and Simek all kinds of problems. Once we settled down a bit, the midfield got a foothold in the game and it set up a second half where there only looked like one winner - Carlisle. Like Wycombe 11 days earlier, it took a quick ball to the box followed by a wonder strike to beat Collin. Welsh and to a lesser extent Madden were lively additions, beating Stevenage at their own game and using the space on the wings to good effect. Pity that Cook was probably still watching his groin although he lasted the full 90 and Zoko seemed to be blowing out of his backside after about 10 minutes. Livesey could have had a hat-trick and I never thought I'd ever say that. Walsh's miss from about 7 yards when in front of goal will still be haunting him (and everyone in the away end) for years to come.

Player Ratings (MK): Collin 6, Simek 6, Livesey 7, Murphy 6, Michalik 6, McGovern 5, Taiwo 6, Noble 5, Berrett 5, Zoko 5, Cook 6. Subs: Welsh 8 (star man), Madden 6.

Apr. 18th (Wed)

BURNLEY YOUTH 1 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
No problem with firing blanks for the youngsters as goals from Todd and Potts severely dent Burnley’s title chances with a fine comeback to secure victory. First-year goalkeeper Jordan Parker was again man of the match. It couldn’t happen to a nicer club!

Top four as things stand:
Pld W D L F A Pts
Preston North End 23 18 2 3 58 21 56
Burnley 22 17 1 4 50 24 52
Carlisle United 24 16 1 7 62 33 49
Walsall 22 14 6 2 58 20 48

Apr. 19th (Thu)

It’s big news day at Brunton Park

Mark Beck, Josh Todd, Brad Potts and Dave Symington are all rewarded for their endeavours with one-year professional contracts following their two-year YTS spell at Brunton Park. The unlucky ones to be released are defender and Youth team skipper Lance McGlen as well as strikers Adam Gill and Dan Jones.

New home and away kits for 2012/3 manufactured by JDSports-owned brand Fila will be on sale ahead of the final home league game of the season against Exeter City.

Season ticket and general admission prices for 2012-13 are announced, which includes a new Young Person's category for people aged 18-22 with admission from just £10 per game (less than £9 with a season ticket). There’s also a new range of discounted Family tickets on a single pre-match basis for different Adult and Adult/Junior combinations and all season ticket holders will receive free admission to United's first round ties in both the Carling Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, should they be drawn at home.

Adult seat renewals will drop from £390 in 2011-12 to £381 in 2012-13, while Juniors (aged 11-17) rise from £190 to £200. For terraced season tickets, Adult renewals rise from £310 to £321 and Juniors drop from £170 to £140.

Pre-matchday seats for adults drop £1 to £19 with matchday seats staying at £22. Adults' pre-match terrace tickets remain at £16 and rise £1 to £19 on match-days.

Apr. 21st (Sat)

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
Or ‘Haves 2 Have Nots 1’. A cruel winner scored in the 95th minute denied a share of the points after an improved second-half performance was capped by a late equaliser from Berrett. Collin’s fine performance between the sticks kept United in the game in the first 45 as a disjointed Carlisle struggled to get going. On a day when a certain World Championship started just across the city at The Crucible, the result leaves the Blues as good as needing snookers.

Player Ratings: Collin 8.5 (star man), Simek 5, Livesey 7.5, Murphy 4, Michalik 7, Taiwo 5, Noble 7.5, Berrett 6, Zoko 7, Cook 4.5, Madden 5. Subs: McGovern 6, Welsh 6, Robson 7.

*Calculated from player ratings on the CUFC Online messageboard.

Apr.27th (Fri)

With Darlington FC seemingly in the process of winding up most of their operation, promising keeper Lewis Brass and centre-half Jake Chisholm jump ship to Brunton Park faster than you can say “Look Out! There’s an Italian Captain” and join the other first years on the YTS scheme.

Apr. 28th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 4 EXETER CITY 1
A moving half-time tribute to Lee Miller’s departed wife Donna with their three boys on the pitch, a relegation, two more in the onion bag for the sublime Zoko, goalkeeper fumbles from past and present, managing not to lose in a new home kit, penalties and shots hitting every part of the Brunton Park woodwork, a fine finish from Cook in his last loan game, defenders frequently on their backside, a fight with a lawnmower for Liam Noble; this game had just about everything.

* Player Ratings: Collin 3.67, Simek 5.67, Livesey 7.17, Robson 6.00, Michalik 5.33, Noble 7.50, McGovern 6.67, Welsh 6.17, Berrett 6.17, Zoko 7.67 (star man), Cook 6.50. Subs: Taiwo 7.00.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-04-08T23:05:29+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/17a49444c7d33b355c1cbe5d016a1882-120.html#unique-entry-id-120http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/17a49444c7d33b355c1cbe5d016a1882-120.html#unique-entry-id-120Mar. 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.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-04-08T23:03:55+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/00ed4b81a7e68b5c4f7b6ee6026dee4f-119.html#unique-entry-id-119http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/00ed4b81a7e68b5c4f7b6ee6026dee4f-119.html#unique-entry-id-119Feb. 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.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-01-06T20:18:00+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/3183c6d4f5c026f0c3eed66e060a52f8-118.html#unique-entry-id-118http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/3183c6d4f5c026f0c3eed66e060a52f8-118.html#unique-entry-id-118Jan. 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).

Jan. 6th (Fri)

The previously on-loan-largely-under-wraps-until-now Chris Chantler signs on the dotted line in an 18-month deal with Carlisle.

Jan. 7th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 4 LEYTON ORIENT 1
A near perfect day aside from it being a pity that it wasn’t the Orient side of 11/12 that showed up at the London Branch sponsored game 9 months ago. The on fire Zoko gave the Blues another flying start a little more than a minute into the game and the result was never in doubt following Robson’s free-kick on 30 and Taiwo’s cross-cum-shot on 37. Berrett’s mazy run and shot made it 4-0 on 73 and as the foot came off the pedal towards the end, Cureton managed a consolation.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.33, Simek 7.67, Michalik 7.00, Murphy 7.17, Robson 7.89, Thirlwell 6.50, Berrett 8.17, Taiwo 8.33, McGovern 7.50, Zoko 8.00, Miller 9.00 (star man). Subs: Chantler 6, Madden 6.

Jan. 11th (Wed)

With his brief loan at an end and with Simek now fit for purpose, Ribeiro goes back to making football kits for Carlisle United takes his gun-for-hire bag down to the home of BOC’s Air Separation Unit and other interesting landscape totems in (drum roll please….) sunny Scunthorpe.

Jan. 12th (Thu)

As expected, Liam Noble completes a permanent transfer from Sunderland on a free with the midfielder signing up until the summer of 2014.


18 year-old Ben Mckenna joins Scottish Third Division side Annan Athletic for a half-season loan as he tries to get some first-team football following a number of injuries.

Jan. 14th (Sat)

A total and utter farce as the 3pm kick-off at high-flying MK Dons is called off due to a frozen slither of pitch. No other game in the 4 divisions was similarly affected. At least the unbeaten run continues but couldn’t both teams have mutually agreed to go 4-3-3 and play without any wingers??

Jan. 16th (Mon)

21 year-old Sunderland forward Jordan Cook hops across the country to United on a one-month loan deal. Cook has previously had impressive loan spells with Darlington and Walsall and made his Mackem first team debut in the Boxing Day game against Manchester United in 2010. The striker can play left or right and is described as versatile with good pace and a decent work ethic.

Jan. 17th (Tue)

MK Dons announce that they will offer a full refund on all tickets purchased for the game whether fans can attend the rearranged fixture or not. Fans will be able to get two free tickets each (one plus one for a friend). The Dons will also cover the cost of travel for two coaches with both laying on a full entertainment package including dancing girls and either Peter Kay or Lee Mack acting as comperes on both legs of the journey. Possibly.

Jan. 21st (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 OLDHAM YOUTH 1
A disappointing performance played in fairly dreadful conditions with a fine goal separating the teams.

CARLISLE UTD 1 WALSALL 1
A neat McGovern and Miller one-two on 7 minutes created the first for Miller and it quickly looked like the visitors would be easily rolled over. The second goal didn’t come despite chances including Zoko’s waltz and stumble around the keeper on 75. Sure enough, a controversial penalty decision given just 8 minutes from time when Simek was shepherding the ball out gifted Walsall a point.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.25, Simek 5.25, Michalik 5.75, Livesey 7.75 (star man), Chantler 7.25, Thirlwell 7.00, Berrett 6.50, Taiwo 6.75, McGovern 6.75, Zoko 5.50, Miller 7.00. Sub: Cook 7.00

Jan. 24th (Tue)

RANGERS XI 2 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 1 - FRIENDLY
Another useful behind-closed-doors friendly ends with a narrow win for Rangers. United took the lead on 15 minutes when Josh Todd got on the end of a decent move. The hosts pulled level just before half time and despite chances at both ends, the home side took the win courtesy of a hotly disputed penalty.

United: Gillespie, McGlen (Symington 75), Potts (Kavanagh 60), O'Halloran, Salmon, Todd, Noble, Lynch, Madden, Beck, Welsh.

After missing much of the season due to a knee injury, Steve Swinglehurst joins team mate Ben Mckenna at Scottish league division three promotion hopefuls Annan Athletic on-loan until the end of the season.

Jan. 26th (Thu)

Dirty Leeds left back Ben Parker (24) arrives on a one-month loan deal. Like McDaid, Simek, Ribeiro and almost every other full-back in the last 18 months, Parker is just getting over a long-term injury and is looking for fitness.

Jan. 28th (Sat)

HARTLEPOOL UTD 4 CARLISLE UTD 0
What a difference a year makes; a disastrous afternoon with the much hyped Luke James giving the back line the run around and Lee Miller seeing red in between the goal avalanche for a needless stamping offence.

*Player Ratings: Collin 3.25 Simek 4.00, Michalik 2.25, Livesey 4.25, Parker 2.25, Thirlwell 2.75, Noble 3.75, Taiwo 4.00, McGovern 5.00, Zoko 4.75, Miller 3.50. Subs: Cook 4.75, Madden 5.75 (star man), Chantler 4.50.

Jan. 31st (Tue)

HIBS RESERVES 1 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 1
Another behind closed doors friendly ended in a competitive 1-1 draw against the Scottish Premier side. The team fought back from an early goal to equalise through a Madden close-range shot on 55 and both Symington and Welsh grazed Hibs’ crossbar in the final stages.

United: Gillespie, McGlen, Potts, O'Halloran, Minor, Todd, Salmon (Symington 70), Lynch, Madden, Welsh, Beck.

One of the more interesting moves on transfer deadline day is Ben Marshall’s £750,000 move to big spending Leicester City after turning down the offer of an extended 3-year contract with Stoke City.



]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2012-01-06T20:16:55+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6ce9fea0fec55e4c3813511df97d5c6d-117.html#unique-entry-id-117http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6ce9fea0fec55e4c3813511df97d5c6d-117.html#unique-entry-id-117Dec. 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.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-11-02T20:55:59+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a6b5b0e30adb4e187d70e5c14c67d456-116.html#unique-entry-id-116http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a6b5b0e30adb4e187d70e5c14c67d456-116.html#unique-entry-id-116Nov. 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.


]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-10-16T19:56:18+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/2191740ea1ce0960009a5b2096a84f02-115.html#unique-entry-id-115http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/2191740ea1ce0960009a5b2096a84f02-115.html#unique-entry-id-115Oct. 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.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-10-16T19:55:10+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/87ef962121d1119f2b3d40f67849f9d6-114.html#unique-entry-id-114http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/87ef962121d1119f2b3d40f67849f9d6-114.html#unique-entry-id-114Sep. 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.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-10-16T19:52:58+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/738773acda6a01e82c711a5f775a4488-113.html#unique-entry-id-113http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/738773acda6a01e82c711a5f775a4488-113.html#unique-entry-id-113Aug. 6th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 0 NOTTS.CO 3
Not exactly the best start to the season and made doubly worse by a bad injury to Simek not to mention the smug face of Lee Hughes being involved in most of the goals. The first had a hint of controversy as Murphy was the recipient of an off-the-ball shoulder charge although exponents of the ‘man’s game’ felt he went down rather easily.

Player Ratings: Collin 3.00, Simek 3.50, Michalik 3.67, Murphy 4.00, Robson 2.33, Thirlwell 3.00, Taiwo 3.17, Berrett 2.67, McGovern 2.83, Curran 1.67, Zoko 3.17. Subs: Welsh 3.92, Loy (star man) 4.67, Noble 4.00.

Aug. 9th (Tue)

OLDHAM 1 CARLISLE UTD 1 (4-2 to Carlisle after pens) – CARLING CUP 1ST ROUND
Carlisle get Saturday’s shocker out of their system in a game of two halves. United never looked back after the introduction of Welsh and a switch to 4-2-3-1; taking control of the game. McGovern scored a goal of real class to send the tie into first extra-time and then penalties. In a rare outing, Livesey played well and Taiwo held his own filling in for Simek at right-back.

United: Collin, Taiwo, Livesey, Murphy, Robson, Thirlwell, Noble (Welsh 46), Berrett, McGovern, Zoko, Curran (Loy 86).

As reported by the Daily Mail (so it must be true), Southampton and Middlesbrough both sent scouts to watch Zoko at Oldham. It also repeated that Wigan, Sporting Gijon and Swansea had shown previous interest.

The quacks pronounce that Simek’s scan has shown a hip-knack tear that will not only put paid to his amusing “I’m a lady” impression in the United dressing room but will take approximately 8 weeks to heal.

Aug. 10th (Wed)

Michalik starts for Slovakia against Austria in Klaugenfurt, becoming the third Carlisle United player to be capped whilst playing for the club. Slovakia won the match 2-1 with Lubo making an excellent last ditch tackle in injury time to preserve the win.

With the rumour mill in full overdrive, the latest spin has the club in talks with former Liverpool, Sunderland and Coventry right back Stephen Wright about a short term deal.

Aug. 11th (Thu)

James Tavernier, Newcastle United’s up and coming 19-year-old attacking full-back, joins Carlisle on an initial one-month loan. Tavernier starred in all three games for Newcastle in their pre-season tour of the States and knows Abbott from his former days as a Leeds United youth player. He went out to and impressed on loan at Gateshead in the Blue Square Premier Division last season. Although mostly used as a right-back, Tavernier can play centre-back and left-back as well.



A rare and potentially interesting trip to West Ham comes out of the hat for United in the 2nd round of the Carling Cup but only if the bubble blowers navigate their way past Aldershot…… but let’s not count any chickens.

Aug. 13th (Sat)

United find out that they will start their defence of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in front of 25-30 home fans, two ball boys and a steward called Frank in a game down the M6 at the home of Accrington.

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 5 ROCHDALE YOUTH 0
Highly-rated right-back Lance McGlen captains the side in a 5-0 thrashing of Rochdale thanks to first-half goals for Will James, Mark Beck twice and debutant Alex Salmon and then a 5th in the second half courtesy of a 30-yard pile-driver from Dave Symington.

BURY 0 CARLISLE UTD 2

League One new boys Bury were shown that the higher level will be no picnic as Carlisle cruised to a comfortable win to put the season back on track. Taiwo nearly scored on 10 minutes when Robson carried the ball from his own half, found him on the overlap and his dinked shot bounced back off the base of the upright and into the goalkeeper’s hands. Carlisle finally took a deserved lead on 68 minutes as Berrett’s 22 yard shot wrong-footed Bury’s hapless keeper. The second came deep into time added on when Welsh was left in space on the left and picked out the run of Liam Noble, who was able to bury the ball from the edge of the box.

United Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Tavernier 8.00, Michalik 8.50 (star man), Murphy 7.00, Robson 6.50, Thirlwell 5.00, Taiwo 6.75, Berrett 5.00, McGovern 4.00, Loy 3.00, Zoko 6.00. Subs: Welsh 6.50.

Aug. 17th (Wed)

French striker Oumare Tounkara is linked with a move to Brunton Park. The Sunderland frontman signed for Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan in August 2010, joining team-mate Jean-Yves M'Voto at Boundary Park. He made 46 appearances for the Latics, scoring seven goals.

Last season’s loan star Ben Marshall signs for Wednesday on loan until January, backing comments made from the club over a potential return being dead in the water. What has most of the United faithful scratching their heads is that he would be playing at Championship level if once more loaned out by parent club Stoke City. Owls fans think the main factor in Marshall coming to Hillsborough (other than finance) is Gary Megson’s close friendship with Tony Pulis.

Aug. 20th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 PRESTON YOUTH 1
An early first half goal was enough to see Preston through as the visitors edged a tight game with United failing to take their chances after the break.

CARLISLE UTD 2 BOURNEMOUTH 1
In a game full of action that swung from end to end, the new home kit voodoo finally ended. The first came on 49 minutes when Berrett swung in a free kick and Murph got there to stab it past Flahavan. Taiwo slid in to claim the glory when he got a touch just as it reached the goal line. The Cherries were back on level terms on the hour when McGovern tackled from behind, and the referee pointed to the spot as the Carlisle players reacted angrily to what was a controversial decision. Former Blues loanee Harry Arter stepped up to score from the spot. Tavernier’s fine cross set up the eventual winner as he found Curran, who then drilled the ball back from near the bye-line and off Byrne and into the net.

United: Collin, Tavernier, Michalik, Murphy, Robson, Thirlwell, Taiwo, Berrett, McGovern, Curran, Zoko. Subs: Loy, Welsh.

Aug. 21st (Sun)

According to the Middlesbrough local press, Abbott looks to be close to ending his long summer hunt for a new frontman by swooping for 28-year-old Miller, who has been told he can leave the Championship club.
The 6ft 2in striker, who has three Scotland caps and cost around £500,000 when he joined Middlesbrough under former boss Gordon Strachan from Aberdeen in January last year, is understood to have held discussions with the Blues. The ex-Hearts, Dundee United and Bristol City player is still awaiting his first goal for the Teesside club having made just 13 appearances and had modest loan spells with Notts. County and Scunthorpe last season, managing two goals in seven games for the Magpies and one in 18 for Scunthorpe.

Aug. 23rd (Tue)

Lee Miller as predicted completes his move to Brunton Park from Boro on a 2 year contract for an undisclosed fee but supposedly nominal. An Aberdeen fan’s posted verdict on Miller:

“- Big target man type, wins a lot of headers from long balls, expert at backing into defenders, flopping to the ground and winning a free-kick. Fairly slow and lethargic looking (bit of an easy target for abuse when things aren't going well). Very good technique when the ball is played in to his feet. Good at holding the ball up. Pretty good finisher, but isn't a poacher and won't be a prolific scorer. He's more of a target man who you can build play around than a goalscorer. Still scores the odd screamer now and then.

Overall: will probably split your support in half. One side will appreciate what he does outside of the box/his hold up play; the other side will think he's a complete waste of space due to the lack of goals and his lack of pace.”

Lubo earns another call up to the Slovakia squad following his praised performance in the recent win against Austria. With World Cup qualifiers against Eire and Armenia, the big central defender will miss 3 Carlisle games including the Carling Cup 2nd round tie against either West Ham or Aldershot, the MK Dons league game on September 3rd and the 1st round of the JPT against Accrington Stanley on the 7th.

Barrow move up to 5th in the Blue Square Premier after a 4-0 thrashing of fancied Fleetwood including a hat-trick for former Blue Andy Cook.

Aug. 24th (Wed)

“Where are they now” part 328. Last season’s not-so-successful loanee Oliver Norwood temporarily joins Scunthorpe. Tom Aldred’s loan spell at Inverness Thistle comes to a premature end only 4 games into a 6 month loan spell.

Aug. 25th (Thu)

Murphy looks set to miss the Orient game following a back spasm during training.

Aug. 26th (Fri)

Second-year youth striker Adam Gill joins Penrith on an initial one-month work experience package as part of his development. The deal can be extended further if it proves to be successful for both parties

Aug.27th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 7 MORECAMBE YOUTH 1
The Youth team’s ‘feast or famine’ season continued with a demolition of Morecambe with a hat-trick from Salmon against his former team mates plus other goals coming from Beck, Jones, Brough and an own goal. Despite the result, after the game Kinder told the lads “I am disappointed.” There’s a tough man to please.
The team also featured the debut of trialist Liam Woodhouse, a youth player at Newcastle United last season.


LEYTON ORIENT 1 CARLISLE UTD 2
In a game that featured a fine debuts for Stephen O'Halloran coming in for the injured Murphy and new signing Lee Miller plus a first start for wide man Andy Welsh, United just about deserved all three points against a previously fancied Orient side still searching for their first. It was done the hard way, coming back from 1-0 down following Smith’s header into the top corner on 53. Miller finished off the good work of Noble and Zoko for the equaliser on 69 before completing the storybook ending five minutes from the end sweeping the ball in after Matty Robson had thumped a free kick against the bar and Curran had brought a great reaction save out of the O’s keeper.

Player Ratings: Collin 6.00, Tavernier 6.83, Michalik 7.00, O'Halloran 9.00 (star man), Robson 7.67, McGovern 6.00, Taiwo 5.67, Berrett 6.33, Thirlwell 6.00, Welsh 7.00, Miller 7.67. Subs: Noble 8.17, Zoko 7.33, Curran 6.50.

Aug. 30th (Tue)

ALDERSHOT 2 CARLISLE UTD 0 - CARLING CUP 2ND ROUND
United crashed out at the second hurdle of the despite creating the better chances early on through O'Halloran powerful header scrambled off the line, Berrett’s shot that struck the offside Zoko and a Curran half chance. Aldershot took the lead with the last kick of the first half when a weighted ball over the top was neatly taken by Rankine. He took two strides before stroking a precise shot into the bottom corner. Spurred on, Aldershot created the better of the chances in the 2nd and sealed the game when Straker carried the ball from the half way line into the box, crossed low and Livesey’s shin sent the ball past Collin.

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

Aug. 31st (Wed)

Deadline day sees Joe Garner head the direction of Watford on a 2-year deal from Forest for an undisclosed fee, ironically as a part-replacement for the departed Graham. He scored a mere 10 goals in 55 appearances while at the midlands club.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-07-24T18:29:11+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6bdfa464ce829dc3fb613ea69ea568c3-112.html#unique-entry-id-112http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6bdfa464ce829dc3fb613ea69ea568c3-112.html#unique-entry-id-112July 6th (Wed)

Managing Director John Nixon urges Watford to come clean about any sell-on or performance-related clauses in Danny Graham’s recent transfer to Swansea. The final money is likely to trickle in over a number of years and just to emphasise this, it’s also revealed that Carlisle received £6,000 this week as part of Rochdale’s purchase of Glenn Murray way back in early 2007.

Former winger Joe Anyinsah secures a free transfer move to Bristol Rovers following his release from Charlton.
The 26-year-old scored five goals in 24 appearances for the Valiants last season.

July 7th (Thu)

After a delay in the formal announcement that may have been down to his search for a 2-year contract from either the club or elsewhere, it’s finally confirmed that Peter Murphy and his baby swinging celebrations will be gracing Brunton Park and assorted other League One grounds for another 12 months at the club having triggered the required appearance threshold back in February.

Ben Mckenna has a sick note from his mum saying that “Ben has a nasty little ankle ligament problem and is not allowed to play football with his friends for the next four weeks”.

July 8th (Fri)

The St. Lucian national football team coached by Greg for two weeks during his recent holiday, go down 4-2 away to Aruba in their two-leg Preliminary round qualifier. The second leg is played on July 12th. When the team coach criticises his players for “being on the beach”, they really can say it with absolute sincerity.


The Lakeland Radio Stadium in Kendal hosts the opening friendly of the 2011/2 campaign as Carlisle secure a 5-1 victory through Berrett 14, Curran 36, Green 48, Welsh 82 and Zoko 88. In typical Cumbrian conditions for July (i.e. drenching rain), McGovern had the task of operating at the top of the diamond formation behind the front two in the first half. The returning Stuart Green capped a strong 2nd half midfield performance with a goal and fellow Danish trialist Lasse Mikkelsen also did his chances no harm.

United first half: Collin, Simek, Livesey, O'Halloran, Swinglehurst, Thirlwell, Taiwo, Berrett, McGovern, Curran, Loy.
United second half: Gillespie, McGlen, Michalik, Murphy, Robson, Mikkelsen (Todd 77), Green, Welsh, Zoko, Madden, Brodersen.

July 12th (Tue)

In an interview with the News & Star, Ben ‘ it’s just a scratch ’ Marshall says that he hasn’t closed the door on a return to Carlisle United after making good progress with the broken fibia, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments suffered at Wembley. Marshall is in talks with Stoke boss Tony Pulis over whether he will go out on loan again next season or stay in the Potteries and fight for a place. If the former, Stoke are likely to favour a loan to a Championship club in order to step up his development. Fearing most splinter-inducing work due to his inevitable recovery from injury, Marshall appears to be favouring another spell at Carlisle.

St. Lucia reciprocates the 4-2 defeat previously inflicted by Aruba and so at 6-6, the match enters the high drama of penalties. St. Lucia duly wins to progress to the qualifying group stages of World Cup 2014 being held in Brazil.

July 15th (Fri)

Having signed a new one-year deal with Sunderland just two days earlier, midfielder Liam Noble joins United on a second loan spell. The deal is up to and inclusive of the Sheffield United home league game on 2 January 2012 and could be extended until the end of the season. Managing director John Nixon is quoted: "Sunderland are very mindful that they had injury problems in the second part of last season so we will be in a position where we will discuss the way forward in terms of extending the loan period once we get closer to the end of this year.”

July 16th (Sat)

After relentless rain before and during the match, the friendly at Conference side Gateshead is called off after 58 minutes with the Blues already 2-0 down after two defensive mistakes in the farcical conditions.

July 17th (Sun)

Marshall grabs the headlines for Stoke City in a 6-1 win over Newport YMCA including their first 2 goals. Some old timer called Delap hit the 6th after coming on for the last half hour.

Jazzy Jeff Smith is given a trial at Rotherham and will be going with them on their pre-season tour to Portugal (how do they afford that?).

July 19th (Tue)

MORECAMBE 2 CARLISLE UTD 1 – FRIENDLY
Morecambe made the most of the substitution roulette process by stealing a late 2-1 win. Carlisle had been the dominant force in the first half and were rewarded by Loy’s run and hammered strike from 25 yards on 22. The equaliser came from a corner on 76 and then Swinglehurst’s unhappy pre-season programme continued with him committing his second penalty-giving foul in the space of a few days. The main plus point was the Livesey and Murphy partnership through the first 77 minutes of the game.

Annan Athletic Reserves are too strong for Carlisle’s Youth team in a 4-2 reverse. Mark Beck made it 2-1 on 33 after Annan stormed to a 2-0 lead in the first 11 minutes. Further goals on 49 and 73 widened the lead before makeshift forward Josh Calvert made the score a little more respectable on 79 with a 25-yard drive.

July 20th (Wed)

Trialists Green and Mikkelsen are released following the game.

July 22nd (Fri)

Nahki Wells impresses Bradford City on trial and earns a 1-year deal.

July 23rd (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 DONCASTER ROVERS 0 – FRIENDLY
This was a game that represented a very comfortable afternoon’s work for Carlisle against a poor Donny side in Sean McDaid’s testimonial. New boys Welsh, McGovern and O'Halloran were all very impressive. McGovern used the ball very well in a free role while Welsh worked hard and added a direct edge to our forward play. O'Halloran was solid, looked good in the air and composed with the ball at his feet. Zoko and Robson were the pick of last season’s regulars.

United: Collin, Simek, Michalik, O'Halloran (Murphy 62), Robson, McGovern, Thirlwell (Berrett 62), Taiwo, Welsh, Curran, Zoko (Loy 62).

PENRITH XI 2 CARLISLE UTD XI 3
A Madden hat-trick helps Carlisle pick up their second victory of the day with a team mostly made up of youth and fringe players.

July 25th (Mon)

From the Juventus team to playing in a Southend XI as a trial striker at Needham Market via Carlisle United. Take a bow J-L-Pericard.

July 26th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 2 MIDDLESBOROUGH 0 – FRIENDLY
Tuned up like Lewis Hamilton’s F1 McLaren, the pre-season hype engine is revved to the max with a fine display against a supposedly strong Boro side. Berrett pulled the strings in an excellent display that included both a superb goal and a penalty miss, Zoko ran the Smoggie defenders ragged at times while Loy looked sharp and hungry up front.

United: Collin, Simek (McGlen 46), Livesey, Murphy, Robson (Swinglehurst 80), Berrett, Taiwo, Noble, McGovern (Welsh 76), Loy (Madden 61), Zoko.

July 27th (Wed)

WORKINGTON TOWN 2 CARLISLE UTD XI 0 – FRIENDLY
A soft penalty and a fine finish in the last 20 minutes settle a poor game in favour of the Reds. The unfortunate Madden fractures his fifth metatarsal early on in the game, an injury likely to keep him out for 12 weeks. Curran also suffers a dead leg that keeps him out of the Bradford game at the weekend.

United: Gillespie, Parker, Thirlwell, Welsh, Curran, O'Halloran, Michalik, Madden, Swinglehurst, Symington, Lynch, Potts, Beck, Minor, McGlen.

July 28th (Thu)

Having been released by Carlisle following his trial, Stuart Green signs a 2-year deal with Workington Town.

July 30th (Sat)

BRADFORD CITY 1 CARLISLE UTD 3 – FRIENDLY
Despite a shaky start where City had by far the better of the first half and scored on their first attack following a slip from O'Halloran while dealing with a long ball, Carlisle came powering back thanks to Taiwo’s diving header on 45, another 30-yard special from Berrett on 54 and a near repeat from 25 yards on 78. Nahki Wells came on for the final ten minutes for Bradford.

United: Collin, Simek, Livesey (Michalik 46), O'Halloran (Murphy 46 (Swinglehurst 69 (Kavanagh 83))), Robson, Thirlwell, Taiwo (Noble 56), Berrett, McGovern, Zoko, Welsh (Loy 46).

BLACKBURN YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 – FRIENDLY
Two first half goals are enough for the Black Pudding eaters.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-07-24T18:29:09+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/cd1540323cdc2549914631ae694cdedb-111.html#unique-entry-id-111http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/cd1540323cdc2549914631ae694cdedb-111.html#unique-entry-id-111June 1st (Wed)

Location, Location, Location. 27-year old left winger Andy Welsh joins from Yeovil having previously played with Stockport and Sunderland amongst others. Having spent three years at Huish Park making 120 appearances in total and topping their most assists chart each season, he decided to turn down the offer of a new contract in favour of Carlisle. With family in Blackpool and Glasgow, geography came to our aid on this occasion.

June 2nd (Thu)

According to reports from the BBC site, former loanee Darryl Duffy is being courted by one or both of St Johnstone and Carlisle following the 27-year-olds release from Bristol Rovers. Duffy joined Hibernian last summer on loan from the Pirates but broke a bone in his foot before making a first-team appearance for the Edinburgh club. After recovering, he only made four starts for Hibs last season before returning to his parent club.

June 3rd (Fri)

The jungle drums start vibrating once more with the news that we’re meant to be amongst a clutch of League One clubs interested in winger Jeff Hughes, another player to escape from Bristol Rovers at the end of last season. Hughes netted 11 goals for the Pirates last term including the first hat-trick of his career in their 3-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge – and scored 28 times in 129 league outings after joining the club from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2008.
He started his career at Lincoln City before joining the Eagles, but made only a handful of appearances for the south London club and found himself out of favour when Neil Warnock succeeded Peter Taylor as manager shortly after his arrival.

June 5th (Sun)

Former loan star Tim Krul represents Holland in goal for their friendly against Brazil.

June 6th (Mon)

Swansea City up their initial £3m (yes, £3m!) offer for Danny Graham with an improved bid of £3.5m.

The testimonial friendly between Carlisle and Doncaster on behalf of the recently retired Sean McDaid is confirmed for Saturday, July 23rd at 3pm.

June 12th (Sun)

The annual “Adam LeFondre to sign for Carlisle” rumour has the dust blown off its jacket and given a new airing.

June 16th (Thu)

It’s a rather uninspiring draw for Abbott and co. as Carlisle are given an away trip to Boundary Park, Oldham in the first round of the Carling Cup. The ties are to be played w/c August 8th.

Carlisle and Sheffield United are widely reported to be two clubs in the chase for Jon-Paul McGovern from relegated Swindon Town. JPM who had an outstanding 09/10 season and has spent four years (probably feels like 20) at Town, had a bid of £750k supposedly turned down from Brighton not too long ago. He plays on the far right and would therefore be seen as both a replacement for Hurst and a Plan B when the diamond doesn’t work.

Exeter sign former Blue and alleged alcopop enthusiast Lenny Pidgeley from Bradford City after making 22 appearances for the Bantams last season.

June 18th (Sat)

The Liam Noble situation is updated with GA advising that the club will stay out of the way until Noble’s contract situation with Sunderland is resolved. He then intends to talk to Steve Bruce to see what his plans are.

June 19th (Sun)

Keeper Adam Collin signs a 2-year contract with the club until summer 2013.

Oh dear…. page 37 of the day's ‘News of The World’ quotes "A Football star has been quizzed by cops on suspicion of arson. Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine, 20, was arrested when a car blaze broke out near his parents' house on May 19.
Madine was home for the close season. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire".

June 20th (Mon)

As rumoured on Thursday, Scottish-born Jon-Paul McGovern joins Carlisle on a 2-year deal until summer 2013 that sees him able to commute from his home over the border.

The U18 squad for next season is confirmed with the following players taking their place in the Carlisle United youth team:

Second years:
Mark Beck – forward
Adam Gill – forward
Will James – defender
Dan Jones – forward
Lance McGlen - defender and team captain
Bradley Potts - defender and club captain
David Symington - defender/midfielder
Josh Todd - midfielder

First years:
Tom Berwick – forward
Jamie Clarey – forward
Brandon Gwinnutt – midfielder
Jack Lynch – midfielder
Dale Minor – defender
Dillon Morse – defender
Jordan Parker - goalkeeper

Non-contract:
Alex Berham - midfielder/forward
Josh Calvert - midfielder

School boys:
Kyle Dempsey

June 21st (Tue)

The possibility of a pre-season friendly between Carlisle and Celtic is scuppered due to potential policing and safety issues. Hoops boss Neil Lennon had instigated the offer around a date of July 20th. There were however, concerns about Rangers supporters passing through on their way back from a Blackpool game on the 19th.

The club decide to end their one-year experiment on the smaller, £1 programme by returning to the normal format for 2011/2. News on the future of the United Scene magazine wasn’t included with the announcement.

June 22nd (Wed)

Keiren Westwood’s rumoured move on a Bosman free transfer to Sunderland is confirmed. His main competition for a first-team place will be from Craig “more surgeries than a season of ER” Gordon.

June 23rd (Thu)

Danny Livesey is the latest to become a proud dad with the birth of his twins Ty Daniel and Isabelle Marie.

June 24th (Fri)

Left-back Stephen O'Halloran signs a pre-contract agreement with the Blues for one year with the option of another. Still only 23, O’Halloran was released by Coventry at the end of the season having previously been on the books of Aston Vila. His years at both clubs were plagued by injury however that hasn’t stopped Abbott moving in for the player, who had been tracked for some years including discussions when he was still at Villa. He also represented Eire twice in 2007 at full international level having worked up various age groups between U15 and U21.

Newly reprieved Southport complete the signing of former defender Simon Grand on a free transfer from Fleetwood. The 27-year-old signed for Fleetwood last summer but made just four appearances before loan spells at Mansfield and Aldershot.

June 28th (Tue)

After his release at the end of the season, Kevan Hurst joins up with Walsall.

June 29th (Wed)

Greg confirms that young Danish striker Michael Broderson will be joining the squad shortly on trial. One familiar face training with the squad to keep fit is local lad Stuart Green following his release from Wycombe Wanderers. It’s also confirmed that the Shefki Kuqi rumour was true and that he has been approached about a move to Brunton Park. The talks have been described as “very positive” and they hope to hear back shortly.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-05-19T21:46:53+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/442e2cf777791fb85c356a8e797fc469-110.html#unique-entry-id-110http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/442e2cf777791fb85c356a8e797fc469-110.html#unique-entry-id-110May 3rd (Tue)

The club decide that Ryan Bowman (19) and Nahki Wells (20) won’t be offered new contracts for next season and are free to go.

May 4th (Wed)

Lila Grace Thirlwell becomes the latest addition to the growing Brunton Park nursery.

Former loanee Miguel Comminges is released by Southend together with injury-plagued winger Simon Hackney by Colchester. The axe man also cometh for Richard Offiong at Gateshead after a three-month spell together where he scored just once in 11 appearances. Also leaving the same club is former United striker Jonny Allan.


On the rumour mill, Carlisle United are reportedly tracking 22-year-old non-league goal machine Astley Mulholland, who plays at this time for Vodkat Premier Division side Flixton. He has supposedly been invited to train with the Cumbrians in pre-season. A number of teams are tracking the 40-goal hitman including Crewe, with whom he turned out for in a recent friendly against Blackburn Reserves.

May 6th (Fri)

Skipper Paul Thirlwell signs a new one-year deal with the club, an agreement which has the option of a further 12-month extension.

May 7th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 0 YEOVIL 2
Plenty of possession but just one shot on target. Jon Obika showed what could be achieved when finding the right on-loan forward as the Spurs loanee scored the first and was a thorn in the Carlisle side throughout. The cause wasn’t helped when Simek dislocated his elbow after falling heavily in the first half. There’s better news later when it’s confirmed that following talks, Matty Robson has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

**Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Simek 6.00, Michalik 5.00, Murphy 6.00, Robson 5.00, Thirlwell 6.00, Berrett 6.00, Noble 7.50 (star man), Madden 6.00, Curran 6.00, Zoko 5.00 Subs: Taiwo 7.00, Livesey 6.00, Loy 6.00

May 10th (Tue)

It’s announced that Marco Gbarssin (26), Kevan Hurst (25) and Jason Price (53) will be leaving the club in June at the end of their current contracts. All three had been out on loan in recent months at Walsall, Morecambe and Hereford respectively.

May 11th (Wed)

The Man Utd old boys club aka ‘Hull City’ signs its 4th member in shape of former loanee full-back Joe ‘Dodgy Knee’ Dudgeon for a fee rumoured to be around £300,000 for the 20-year-old. Rather them than us.

May 12th (Thu)

The club confirm that Greg will be jetting off shortly to prepare and coach the St. Lucia team for two play-off games against Aruba on June 3rd and 6th with the winners entering the World Cup Preliminary Qualifiers.

May 13th (Fri)

Carlisle’s pre-season fixture is starting to take shape; and a familiar one at that.

Fri 8th July Kendal Town 7.30pm (A)
Sat 16th July Gateshead 3pm (A)
Tue 19th July Morecambe 7.45pm (A)
Sat 23th July Doncaster Rovers (game tbc) 3pm (H)
Tue 26th July Middlesbrough 7.30pm (H)
Wed 27th July Workington 7.30pm (A)
Sat 30th July Bradford City 3pm (A)

May 16th (Mon)

The Club go into the ‘Early Bird’ period for season tickets with 1600 already sold as part of existing renewals.

May 17th (Tue)

A new one deal is secured for local lad Paul Murray at the Monkey Hangers for 2011/2. Now 34, he made an impressive 41 appearances and scored one goal in the season gone and Murray was also runner-up in the club's fans player of the year and away player of the year awards in 2010-11.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard / ** Match attendee (Mike Carruthers)

FINAL END OF SEASON RATINGS

Player Name – (Rated Games) – Average Rating

Harte (5) 7.53
Grella (10) 6.97
Thirlwell (20) 6.86
Chester (23) 6.84
Madine (28) 6.51
Marshall (39) 6.50
Taiwo (55) 6.49
Michalik (37) 6.48
Collin (56) 6.46
Murphy (40) 6.45
Noble (23) 6.41
Simek (56) 6.30
Berrett (56) 6.19
McDaid (14) 6.10
Curran (50) 6.05
Cooper (7) 6.00
Zoko (51) 6.00
Livesey (9) 5.92
Robson (42) 5.90
Norwood (6) 5.77
Madden (13) 5.57
Cruise (8) 5.50
Loy (13) 5.34

Also rated (less than 5 games):
Kane (1) 6.58
Evans (1) 6.50
Bowman (2) 6.21
Price (2) 5.94
Hurst (4) 5.88
Arter (4) 5.63
Borrowdale (2) 5.50
Dudgeon (2) 5.42
McKenna (2) 5.25
Bridge Wilkinson (1) 5.00
Comminges (1) 5.00
Eastham (1) 4.50

Man-of-the-Match 2010/1 (i.e. highest rated in the game)
Murphy 9
Marshall 7
Michalik 5
Simek 4
Robson, Curran, Thirlwell and Zoko 4
Collin, Grella and Noble 3
Chester and Loy 2
Madine 1

May 20th (Fri)

Newly promoted QPR have a bid of £2.5 rejected by Watford for….are you sitting down……have you removed all sharp objects from your person……Danny Graham.

Sky Sports link United with Rotherham midfield regular Jason Taylor.

May 23rd (Mon)

United centre half Lubomir Michalik has been placed on standby by Slovakia manager Vladimir Weiss for the European qualifier against Andorra to be played at the Štadión Pasienky on Saturday 4 June. Michalik, 27, is one of a group of players who have been placed on call should any of the first team suffer injury, and will be expected to join the squad at any point from 30 May until the day of the game, if required. The well-liked defender has made four appearances for his country, and scored his only international goal when he came on as a substitute to make his debut against United Arab Emirates

May 24th (Tue)

In a move certain to bring further spice to next season’s two fixtures, Glenn Murray jumps ship on a Bosman from Brighton to Crystal Palace.

May 25th (Wed)

The Danny Grainger new left-back rumour is put to bed by him signing a deal with Hearts.

May 31st (Tue)

Despite rejecting their offer of a permanent deal last summer in order to join St Johnstone, Cleveland Taylor re-signs for Burton Albion on a two-year deal having just been released by the Saints.

Those stalwarts of expert opinion, the Sun newspaper, link Carlisle United with Steve-Livingstone-in-waiting Shefki Kuqi. The 34 year-old was released by Newcastle at the end of the season after making 6 substitute appearances for the Barcodes.



]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-05-19T21:46:03+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/b5ae15dac7736f3e5182a569a5d92c2c-109.html#unique-entry-id-109http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/b5ae15dac7736f3e5182a569a5d92c2c-109.html#unique-entry-id-109Apr 1st (Fri)

WIGAN ATH YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0
The big nasty bullies wouldn’t give the ball back to the nice little kids in the playground and it all ended up with a big thrashing behind the bike sheds. Or something along those lines.

Apr 3rd (Sun)

BRENTFORD 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
Now officially the most successful team in the history of the Football League Trophy, Peter Murphy completed a memorable few days during which he became a father for the first time but scoring a superbly taken volley into the opposing corner on 12 minutes. It was helped that Brentford failed to show up and spent the entire first half trying to kick lumps out of the likes of Marshall and Zoko. Mission accomplished, there was pressure but little quality to worry about in the 2nd and apart from Schlupp’s shot against the post, Collin had a largely trouble-free afternoon.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Simek 8.00, Michalik 7.64, Murphy 8.73 (star man), Robson 7.18, Taiwo 6.36, Thirlwell 7.27, Berrett 6.20, Zoko 6.73, Curran 5.91, Marshall 6.91. Subs: Noble 6.20, Madden 6.25

Apr 5th (Tue)

Cooper opts not to extend his loan at the club, speculatively suggested by some over his non-selection at Wembley.

Apr 6th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD 4 GILFORD PARK 1 - CUMBERLAND CUP SEMI-FINALS
A second, slightly lower profile cup final now beckons as a strong United side featuring Kavanagh, Livesey, Wells, Loy and Madden was too strong for Gilford Park. Sean Bannon, son of former Carlisle player Paul, played for the visitors along with former CUFC youngster Steve Skinner. Bowman’s cross in from the right was met by Wells running in for a near-post header for 1-0 on 8 minutes and this was doubled on 33 through Loy’s fine right-footed half-volley on the turn. Bannon showed a touch rarely found with his old man when he executed a delightful 25-yard chip over the advancing Gillespie and into far corner for 2-1 on 41. The two goal lead was restored when Mckenna’s excellent shot at pace across goal from 22 yards found the far top corner. The scoring was complete through Madden’s left-footed volley from eight yards from a Wells cross.

Team: Mark Gillespie, Brad Potts (Lance McGlen 80), Steven Swinglehurst, Josh Todd, Danny Livesey, Graham Kavanagh, Paddy Madden (Mark Beck 77), Ben Mckenna, Rory Loy (Dave Symington 77), Nahki Wells, Ryan Bowman.

Apr 8th (Fri)

The team will be heading for a Civic Reception with the Mayor on April 14th accompanied by the newly won JPT trophy, which will be dangled over the first floor balcony to the admiring crowds below like a certain departed pop star’s baby.

Apr 9th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 WARSAW YOUTH 1
A draw was salvaged thanks to Will James’ late equaliser.


MK DONS 3 CARLISLE UTD 2
Three pieces of poor defending saw the points slip away having worked hard to get back in the match. The United goals came from a stunning 25 yard drive into the bottom right-hand corner from Noble, his first goal in league football and a Berrett penalty after Zoko had taken his pass and had his legs taken away from him in the box.

*Player Ratings: Collin 5.50, Simek 6.00, Michalik 6.00, Murphy 7.00 (star man), Robson 4.75, Taiwo 6.5, Thirlwell 7.00, Berrett 6.00, Noble 6.50, Zoko 6.00, Curran 6.00. Subs: Madden 4.5

Swinglehurst makes his Workington debut coming on as a substitute with about eight minutes left in a 2-0 home win over Stafford.

Apr 11th (Mon)

McKenna plays 65 minutes in the 3-1 win over Slovakia.

On the 13th, comes on as sub to win penalty in a 1-3 reverse

Apr 12th (Tue)

LEYTON ORIENT 0 CARLISLE UTD 0
One of my short match reports just for a change……..

First Half
Subdued start to the game with a few uncharacteristic errors from Thirlwell and Murphy. Orient tried to pass it around to the credit. Every time I’ve seen them in the past they either hoof it route one to some gangly, 19-20 year old on loan from a Premiership team or just pump it down the channels in more hope than expectation. The start wasn’t helped by Collins trying to enter the ‘longest keeper’s punt’ competition on a regular basis but he pulled off a smart save in the early pressure and when he threw it out we looked a far better team. Didn’t take long to start exerting some control. Led by the cut-and-thrust of Robson’s running from the back and the measured promptings of Noble and Berrett, we started to create chances. Despite playing all night like he had the flu, Zoko won a header in the box where it fell between the centre halves to the waiting Curran. There was still a bit of work to do but he hooked a high ball towards the corner where their keeper Jones clawed it away well. Zoko then did well to meet a deep cross with a glancing header back across goal that Jones turned away and had another great chance after a scramble in their box but seemed to scuff his shot when it seemed easier to score. It was turning into Charlton Part II.

Second Half
Dominated from the off as the natives grew increasingly restless while the away end had finally found its voice. Robson stung the keeper’s palms with a terrific diagonal drive and a number of other attempts came and went including Taiwo’s horrible air shot from a very gettable chance and Madden hitting what looked like the corner of post and bar with a snap volley from Curran’s fine work. The advantage wasn’t pressed home and with the home crowd finally waking up as the clock ran down, we were close to throwing away the game as we did against the Dons 3 days earlier. Our right flank started to look ragged, not helped by Simek looking flogged and passing it straight back to a red shirt on at least three occasions. In the end, it almost felt like two points dropped even though it was just a blessed relief to come away with something from the game.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.67, Simek 6.17, Michalik 7.67, Murphy 8.00, Robson 8.33 (star man), Taiwo 7.00, Thirlwell 7.00, Berrett 6.67, Noble 8.00, Zoko 3.33, Curran 6.83. Subs: Madden 7.0


It’s all going off down at Swindon as serial relegation expert Paul Hart states that they are "better off without" striker Mike Grella as the former Carlisle loanee walks out of the club and returns to Leeds United. The 24-year-old American had arrived on an emergency deal shortly before Hart took the helm at the County Ground. "His view was that he hadn't played enough football yet he started in five of the seven games that I've been in charge," Hart told BBC Wiltshire. "It's amazing. It's beyond me. We don't need people like that."

Apr 13th (Wed)

The News & Star go to print with one of the longest-running rumours at the moment, the imminent announcement of a verbal agreement between CUFC, Sunderland and Liam Noble that should see the player in a blue shirt at Brunton Park next season on a season-long loan deal. The door to a permanent move also remains supposedly very much open.

Apr 16th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 PRESTON YOUTH 3
According to reports, the turning point was when the referee refused to give a certain penalty and send off the PNE player when it was 1-1. Don’t worry we’ll get them back and then some in all forms next season.


CARLISLE UTD 4 COLCHESTER UTD 1
The battle of minds between the former master and his pupil ended in a win for young Skywalk….err, Abbott. John Ward and his team left Cumbria with their outside promotion chances in tatters after a blistering long range shot from Berrett, two fine goals from Curran and a prod home from Noble secured three of the easiest points for the team this season.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.75, Simek 7.00, Michalik 7.50, Murphy 7.00, Robson 7.00, Thirlwell 8.00, Berrett 8.00, Taiwo 7.00, Noble 8.50, Curran 8.75 (star man), Zoko 7.75.


St Johnstone’s 24 year-old out-of-contract left back Danny Grainger is linked with the club after making a statement to the local press confirming that "I’m a Carlisle fan so if they offered me a contract I would seriously think about it"....."My ambition is to play in League One or for a Championship club. Cumbria is my home so of course a move to Carlisle would appeal. They have done really well this season and I was delighted for them at Wembley. Adam Collin is a good friend of mine and I thought he was sensational at Wembley.” Grainger began his career at Gretna after being released by Carlisle’s school of excellence at the age of 14. He was later signed by Dundee United in 2008 and joined St Johnstone in the summer of 2009 in a £50,000 deal.

Apr 18th (Mon)

Ian Harte and Danny Graham make the PFA Championship team of the season together with Grant Holt. If only………

July 8th and Kendal away is confirmed as the first pre-season friendly.

April 21st (Thu)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3 OLDHAM YOUTH 6
Eric Kinder is apparently still in a state of deep shock following the team’s second half capitulation against Oldham. A goal from James and two from Symington (2) had put the Blues 3-1 up at half-time and seemingly on their way to victory.

Apr 23rd (Sat)

ROCHDALE 2 CARLISLE UTD 3
907 lucky away fans enjoying some summer-like weather were privileged to see one of the games of the season in a see-saw encounter against promotion chasing Rochdale. United had the better of the early exchanges and took the lead when Curran’s headed attempt on goal struck the post and bounced off the defender into the net. As so often this season, the lead would only last five minutes as a free header was gifted at a dead ball situation. Despite a strong finish to the half, Dale were first out of the blocks in the second as Done advanced on goal and executed a fine finish around Collin’s dive as the defence backed off. The game turned on its head in the space of four delirious minutes as first Noble’s 35-yard cannon-shot came off the inside of a post to draw the sides level and with an only slightly lesser distance being lined up by Lubo at a free-kick, Robson surprised most of the ground including probably himself by driving the ball into the roof of the net. With heads dropping, there could have been more goals for Carlisle by the end and three deserved points headed back up to Cumbria.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.25, Simek 6.25, Michalik 6.75, Murphy 5.50, Robson 7.50, Thirlwell 7.25, Berrett 5.75, Taiwo 7.00, Noble 8.50 (star man), Curran 6.75, Zoko 5.75.


The CUFC Online Player of the Season Results are announced. From a total of 146 votes cast, the results were as follows (based on five or more):

James Berrett 71
Ben Marshall 24
Peter Murphy 17
Frank Simek 13
Tom Taiwo 7
Adam Collin 5

Apr 25th (Mon)

CARLISLE UTD 0 LEYTON ORIENT 1
The curse of the London Branch sponsored match returns and despite a dominant first half-hour which also saw a gift of a penalty missed by Berrett, Orient always looked like holding onto the lead given to them about 10 minutes before half-time.

*Player Ratings: Collin 6.67, Simek 6.67, Michalik 7.00, Murphy 6.67, Robson 8.33 (star man), Thirlwell 6.67, Berrett 6.67, Taiwo 5.67, Noble 7.17, Curran 6.00, Zoko 5.67. Subs: Madden 6.00, Loy 5.67, Bowman 6.67

Apr 26th (Tue)

Brunton Park’s Stadium Manager David Mitchell deservedly wins the coveted award of League One Groundsman of the Year for 2010/11. The final judging was based on a visiting panel of experts inspecting the top three pitches in the league as calculated from the average marks awarded by both the referee and the visiting manager over the course of the season. Fans had also spoken of a ‘tripping’ sensation when viewing the intricate patterns on the pitch laid out by David’s fine work. And what do you do with an award winning pitch at the end of the season? That’s right you strip the entire top six inches off and start again.

The club announce a £10 ticket offer for the final game against Yeovil with just a fiver to get in for kids. The club also receive permission for the new kit to be worn and as part of this, it will be parachuted in just prior to kick-off. The JPT will also be paraded around the pitch after the game

Apr 27th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD 2 NETHERALL 0 - CUMBERLAND CUP FINAL
Goals from Loy (penalty) and Madden were enough for Carlisle to secure a second piece of silverware for the season although they were forced to work hard.

Team: Mark Gillespie, Lance McGlen, Danny Livesey, Graham Kavanagh, Steven Swinglehurst (c), Ben Mckenna, Josh Todd (David Symington 59), Nahki Wells, Paddy Madden, Rory Loy, Ryan Bowman

Apr 29th (Fri)

United legend Michael Bridges, still only 32, has to announce his retirement after an injury-plagued season for the Newcastle Jets down under. The very popular Bridges has accepted a position with the Jets as International Football & Business Development Manager.

Apr 30th (Sat)

MACCLESFIELD YOUTH 2 CARLISLE YOUTH 3
A brace of goals from Jamie Clarey and a single strike from Beck help the young Blues to a tight victory in their last league game of the season.


DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 3 CARLISLE UTD 0
It could easily been six and apart from Collin and a spirited second-half cameo from Paddy Madden, no player will be wanting to study the 18-rated DVD for too long. The writing was on the wall as soon as Lubo felled his opponent for a first-minute penalty and despite it being well saved by Collin, the first player to follow-up had a red shirt. It was soon to become the colour of the United players faces.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7.00 (star man), Simek 4.67, Michalik 1.33, Murphy 4.00, Robson 3.00, Thirlwell 4.33, Berrett 3.67, Taiwo 4.33, Noble 3.33, Curran 3.33, Zoko 4.00 Subs: Madden 5.67, Loy 3.00, Livesey 5.00.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-03-05T16:32:26+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ae6b1235b7425d72d67ce088a743dce8-108.html#unique-entry-id-108http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ae6b1235b7425d72d67ce088a743dce8-108.html#unique-entry-id-108Mar 1st (Tue)

CHARLTON A. 1 CARLISLE UTD 3
A terrific bounce back from the side. Having been 1-0 down and looking flat in the first quarter, the team gradually starting winning their individual battles all over the park and had left some faces the same colour as their shirts on the Charlton team by the end of the game (take a bow Elliot the CAFC keeper especially). Marshall ran the show and scored the first before Curran and Loy set up a very comfortable win in the second half. The average age of the six occupying the midfield and forward line was just 21 years.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.5, Simek 7, Livesey 8, Murphy 6.5, Robson 7.5, Noble 8, Berrett 7, Taiwo 7, Marshall 9 (star man), Curran 8.5, Loy 8.5.

Lubo and Cooper both return to light training duties. Thirlwell is also not far from joining them.

Adam Rundle (for older readers) joins Gateshead on loan from Morecambe. I expect his dad still thinks he’s the best player in English football behind Fabregas, Wilkshire and a couple of the Man United team.

Mar 2nd (Wed)

The club consider an appeal to the FA after being found as equally culpable as Oldham in the recent Battle of Boundary Park. The £3,750 hole in the club budget is considered one that couldn’t be left unchallenged.

Mar 3rd (Thu)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 ROCHDALE YOUTH 2
Still a work-in-progress with planning for next season being made, the Youth team go down at home to the league leaders. They seem to have tapped into a Cumbrian trait at the moment of winning their away games but throwing the points away when playing at home.


Highly-rated Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter (21) joins on a 1-month loan having recently signed an extended contract with the Cherries. A versatile player, he can play on the left, on the right or down the middle. Arter joined Bournemouth last June from Woking; hopefully the similarities with Raphael Nade end there…….

Arter’s arrival signals the end of Gbarrsin’s short spell at the club as he goes on loan to Walsall until the end of April. It had to be either there or Swindon. After four starts and one sub appearance, Jason Price comes back in the other direction after the end of his one-month loan.

The Cumberland Cup match against Wigton is arranged for Brunton Park on Wednesday 30th March.


Former defender Tony Kane is doing quite well in his new career as he scores 11 minutes into his debut for Cliftonville in a 2-0 away win over Newry City.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Mar 5th (Sat)

BRIGHTON & HA 4 CARLISLE UTD 3
A brilliantly entertaining match and deserving of the well-trodden cliché of being a great advert for First Division football saw goals from Taiwo, Marshall and debutant Arter fail to prevent an impressive Albion side and their march to the title. Glenn Murray scored his customary goal against his old side while missing a number of others.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 6, Livesey 5, Murphy 3, Robson 7, Noble 6, Berrett 6, Taiwo 7, Marshall 6, Curran 7, Loy 6. Subs: Zoko 9 (star man), Arter 7, Madden 7.

Mar 7th (Mon)

BURY YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
Goals from Sloan and Swinglehurst weren’t enough to prevent a third successive defeat.

The Youth Squad in place for 2011/2 is at this time as follows –

Second years: Mark Beck, Adam Gill, Dan Jones, Lance McGlen, Brad Potts, David Symington, Josh Todd.
Second year work experience: Will James (defender).

First years: Tom Berwick (winger/midfielder), Jamie Clarey (striker), Brendan Gwinnutt (midfielder), Jack Lynch (midfielder), Dale Minor (left back), Dylan Morse (defender), Jordan Parker (keeper).

Schoolboy forms: Kyle Dempsey (midfielder).

Mar 8th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 HARTLEPOOL 0
Old boys Paul Murray and Ewan Horwood couldn’t prevent 10-man Carlisle from returning to winning ways. The night start badly with Livesey putting a slight tear in his hamstring during the warm-ups and being replaced at the last minute by Cooper and appeared to be heading south when Noble was given a harsh looking red card for his tackle on Sweeney just before half-time. The monkey-hangers eventually paid for an anaemic display in the 2nd half when Zoko’s superbly executed overhead kick on 67 minutes settled the game.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.11, Simek 6.67, Cooper 7.22, Murphy 7.33 (star man), Robson 5.56, Noble 4.33, Berrett 5.67, Taiwo 6.78, Marshall 6.67, Curran 6.44, Zoko 6.11.

Murphy joins the CUFC ‘400 club’ during March after making 400 league and cup appearances. He now trails three legends ahead of him, Balderstone (427), Parker (429) and Ross (542).

Mar 10th (Thu)

Devastating news for Sean McDaid as the fullback calls it a day after his recurrent knee injury flared up again against Exeter City earlier in the season.

Mar 11th (Fri)

United’s Wembley ticket sales go past the 10,000 barrier.

Mar 12th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 TRANMERE YOUTH 3
Two goals from Beck were not enough to save the team from another defeat having been reduced to 10 men through McKenna’s sending off despite a flying start on 90 seconds with Beck finishing off the latter’s square ball.

PETERBOROUGH 6 CARLISLE UTD 0

Absolutely stuffed out of sight. Taxi for everyone. Next!

* Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 3, Cooper 2, Murphy 4, Robson 2, Arter 4, Berrett 5, Taiwo 5, Marshall 4, Curran 5, Zoko 3. Subs: Madden 4, Loy 4.

Mar 13th (Sun)

Youth team second years Matt Osmond (defender/midfielder), Mark Sloan (striker) and Phil Towler (midfielder) have been informed that they will not be offered professional contracts when their current two-year YTS stay at the club comes to an end.

Mar 15th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 PLYMOUTH 1
A typical late season struggle with one side sitting comfortably in mid-table being held by one in desperate need for the points. Michalik and Thirlwell came in for the suspended Cooper and Arter while Murphy notably became only the third person to make 400 league and cup appearances for the club. A Zoko through ball and Robson cut back set up Berrett to half-volley in on 34 minutes but display fine displays from both Taiwo and Curran, it’s once again a soft free-kick and poor marking at a dead ball situation that lets the Pilgrims steal a point on 84 minutes.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.6, Simek 5.8, Michalik 5.0, Murphy 6.6, Robson 4.8, Thirlwell 6.6, Berrett 5.8, Taiwo 6.0, Marshall 6.2, Curran 6.8 (star man), Zoko 6.0.

Mar 16th (Wed)

Carlisle’s Paddy Madden is called into the Eire under-21 squad for their friendly away at Portugal on March 25th.

Mar 18th (Fri)

Defender Steve Swinglehurst is offered his first pro contract with a one year deal. Ben McKenna is likewise offered his first pro deal having made his full debut this season. On the same day, there’s also a call up for the Northern Ireland U19s for their double header against Slovakia on April 11th and 13th.

Mar 19th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 BOURNEMOUTH 0
The giddy heights of 8th place are regained with a hard fought victory against a faltering Bournemouth side. Match winner Murphy buried a volley from close range following a half-cleared Berrett corner returned into the box by the same player. Six players were booked in a largely bad tempered affair.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.38, Simek 5.88, Michalik 6.75, Murphy 8.13 (star man), Robson 6.38, Thirlwell 7.0, Berrett 6.38, Taiwo 6.75, Marshall 5.38, Curran 6.38, Zoko 5.63. Sub: Madden 6.0

Mar 20th (Sun)

Better news for this year's crop of released second years with several securing work experience packages at the following clubs:
Jon Ball – Gateshead, Paddy O'Brien – Clitheroe, Matt Osmond - Billington Synthonia, Mark Sloan – Workington and Phil Towler – Penrith.

Mar 22nd (Tue)

Rumours commence about Zoko going to Spain in the summer with the Daily Mail Sport amongst others suggesting that Sporting Gijon and Real Valladolid are both interested. The trigger for the rumour has been the supposed awareness of a £100,000 buy-out clause in his contract. The following day, further reports put current Premiership side Wigan in the ‘Chase-for-Zoko’ ™. The producers of Ant and Dec’s Push The Button show are also said to be looking at the possibility of bringing CFZ to ITV screens in a Benny Hill style sequence each week.

Mar 23rd (Wed)

United announce that they are to install a new fan-friendly; Big Brother is watching you computerised entry system that will “revolutionise match days and ticket sales at Brunton Park”. Start the revolution more like if it goes norks up. Fans will be able to print off match day tickets at home via an e-ticketing facility (thus saving on petrol costs) and season tickets will be replaced by TeamCards scanned on entry by stewards. The new ticketing system is due to be installed in the summer and be operational for United's pre-season fixtures.
The same day sees the club announce that the new 2011/12 season tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 5 April 2011; pricing to be advised later.

JPT final opponents Brentford have an injury crisis of their own with the news that striker Charlie MacDonald (ankle ligament damage) and keeper Richard Lee (suspected dislocated shoulder) will almost certainly miss the Cumbrian drubbing final.

Mar 24th (Thu)

Human library book Jason Price is lent out of the van to Hereford for the rest of the season. Any late return fees accrued by the Bulls will almost certainly be waived by the club.

MK Dons confirm the signature of former Blues midfielder Adam Clayton on loan until the end of the season having had an in and out eight-game loan spell with Peterborough earlier in the season.

An operating profit of £110k is declared by the club for the first six months of the financial year. The figure includes the income from the Harte transfer and additional drip fed payments from Watford for the Graham transfer but not the take-the-money-and-run rumoured £800,000 arising from Gary Madine’s transfer to the Owls.

Mar 25th (Fri)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 WREXHAM YOUTH 2
A mountain to climb created by two soft goals in the first half couldn’t be overcome. Apart from the final ten minutes when Symington was pushed up front and pulled one back to put a bit of pressure on the Welshmen, Kinder admitted it was a very poor performance overall. The slight mitigation is that the released second years no longer feature in the side.

BRENTFORD 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
Despite facing an opponent literally playing Mr Bean at left-back, it was unfortunately Carlisle’s comedic defending that separated the sides in the end as they allowed U-19 German international Jeffrey Schlupp to steal two late goals; the first from a long ball left between two defenders and the second from a series of half clearances within the Carlisle box. Despite two good opportunities for Curran, it wasn’t until Michalik’s 88th minute set piece thunderbolt that the reserve keeper was beaten.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.5, Simek 6, Michalik 6, Murphy 7 (star man), Robson 5.5, Thirlwell 6, Berrett 4.5, Taiwo 6.5, Marshall 6, Curran 4, Arter 5.5.

Paddy Madden comes on in the 56th minute for Eire under-21's in their 2-0 defeat against Portugal.

Mar 28th (Mon)

In the final round of the publicly voted JPT ‘Ultimate Finish’ Competition for the best goal in the round, Tom Taiwo’s half volley from the edge of the area after Zoko’s surging run down goal v Huddersfield just beats Brentford player Sam Saunders.

Vince Pericard’s contract at Swine-don hasn’t been renewed and he looks set for pastures new in the summer.

Mar 29th (Tue)
YEOVIL TOWN 1 CARLISLE UTD 0
Obika’s finish from Bowditch’s through ball on 58 minutes settled a game. Carlisle’s best chance came on 84 when Noble’s fine cross found Ben Marshall alone at the far post but he managed to blaze over from just a few yards out.

*Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 7, Michalik 7, Murphy 7 (star man), Robson 7, Taiwo 6, Thirlwell 7, Berrett 5, Zoko 3, Curran 4, Marshall 6. Subs: Arter 6, Noble 6, Madden 5

The free-to-air JPT final highlights are scheduled for prime time BBC2 on Sunday evening, … er, at 11:00PM - 11:40PM.

Mar 30th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 7 WIGTON HARRIERS 0 – CUMBRIA CUP QUARTER FINALS
A relatively strong Carlisle side featuring Bowman (left), Loy (central) and Madden (right) upfront and Wells in front of a midfield two of Noble and Todd brushed aside an outclassed Wigton side. The back line also featured 63 year-old leviathan Graham Kavanagh in the centre. On 6 minutes Madden met a Swinglehurst cross at the back-post to head back across keeper and into far corner. Four minutes later Madden crossed in from right and Bowman heads back across keeper and into the far corner. Further chances came and went until the same partnership made it 3-0 on 18. Potts was given a free header on 32 from a Noble corner to make it 4-0 and Bowman’s fine run and chipped cross set up Loy running in for a header into far top corner for 5-0. Bowman completed his hat-trick just after the restart and the fun was finished on 66 with Wells picking out Madden and his left foot drive from 12 yards going low into the bottom corner for the magnificent 7. Has a representative Carlisle United side ever lost a game by a 7-0 scoreline (Reserves v Celtic) and then followed it with a 7-0 victory in their next game? Has any side ever achieved that?
With it finishing Northbank 0-2 Netherhall in first semi-final last Saturday, United now face Gillford Park at home on Wednesday 6th April at 7pm in the remaining semi-final. The final is set to be played on Wednesday 27th April.

Team: Mark Gillespie, Dave Symington (Adam Gill 69), Steven Swinglehurst (c), Josh Todd, Brad Potts, Graham Kavanagh, Rory Loy, Liam Noble (Phil Towler 61), Ryan Bowman, Nahki Wells, Paddy Madden.


The club launch details for their 2011/2012 season ticket packages.
Under-sevens remain free while the club are launching an under-11 season ticket priced at just £6 as part of an on-going strategy to encourage more families, and in particular youngsters, to attend home games. Both require an adult ticket to be purchased.
A new Direct Debit payment scheme will offer 10 months' interest free payments subject to a £10 admin fee.
Existing season ticket holders will have an exclusive renewal period from Tuesday April 5 until Thursday April 28 where the club will give the first 50 season ticket renewals a free 2011/12 home shirt 48 hours before they go on sale.
The Early Buy period runs from Tuesday May 3 until Friday June 17 and then General sales from Monday June 20 until Friday July 22, 2011. All renewals can be made on-line.
Match day tickets will increase by £1 for the next campaign.

Adult Renewal prices/ Early Bird/ General Sale
Adult (Seated - Season) £390/ £405/ £430
Adult (Seated – Match Day Advance) £20*
Adult (Terrace - Season) £310/ £325/ £345
Adult (Terrace - Match Day Advance) £16*

* £2 more if bought on the day


Midfielder Harry Arter is recalled by Bournemouth after his 1-month loan spell ends despite a request to continue. Talk about sore losers! Arter played in four games for the Cumbrians.


In other local news, the Scott Mills morning breakfast show announces that Radio One’s Annual Big Weekend event will be held in Carlisle at the Airport site on the 14th and 15th May having been at Bangor last year and Swindon, Maidstone, Preston, Dundee and Sunderland before that. The good news is that the event is free. The bad news is that there were almost half a million applications last year for the 10,000 pairs of tickets available each day although Carlisle residents receive a degree of preferential treatment as does those from the surrounding area.

The main stage line-ups are announced as;
Nicole Scherzinger, Jessie J, Ellie Goulding, Plan B, Chase and Status, Tinie Tempah, Black Eyed Peas and the headlining Foo Fighters playing on the Saturday.

Olly Murs, Bruno Mars, The Wombats, Professor Green, Katy B, The Script, Taio Cruz, My Chemical Romance play on Sunday with some odd woman called Lady Gaga headlining.


* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard / ** Match attendee




]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-02-12T14:15:53+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/beb76f755e632efdbf4f1c3592b33555-107.html#unique-entry-id-107http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/beb76f755e632efdbf4f1c3592b33555-107.html#unique-entry-id-107Feb 1st (Tue)

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
The teams’ 14th meeting of the season ends with a return home empty-handed despite an improvement from Saturday that saw a number of chances squandered, particularly in the first half. Two fine finishes from Roberts settles the match leaving Carlisle perched 5 points but several places above the relegation zone.

Team (ratings to follow): Collin, Simek, Michalik, Cooper, Dudgeon, Thirlwell, Taiwo (Robson 54), Berrett (Noble 58), Marshall, Zoko, Curran (Loy 66).

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Feb 2nd (Wed)

It’s revealed that Cooper broke his hand during the game and will miss the next 3-4 weeks. Marshall also breaks a similar bone in his right hand but it’s determined to be small and clean enough to allow him to play with a protective cover. Walking ‘Operation’ board game Thirlwell tears a calf muscle that mean a similar period of rest. Human catapult Dudgeon aggravates an old knee injury and goes to back to Manchester for treatment. Ryan Bowman should be playing again in 2-3 weeks time.

Feb 5th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 1 WALSALL 3
This Carlisle home performance could go down in history as the worse live event since Cheryl Cole ‘sang’ live during the X Factor elimination show. Yes, it really was that bad. Murphy’s late header was just a footnote with the game effectively over long before the final whistle.

* Player Ratings: Collin 2.94, Simek 3.06, Michalik 2.00, Murphy 3.22, Livesey 4.28, Noble 2.78, Berrett 3.44, Marshall 2.67, Robson 1.67, Zoko 2.56, Curran 2.78. Subs: Taiwo 4.25, Loy 6.00 (star man), Madden 4.00.

Feb 8th (Tue)

25 year-old QPR left-back Gary Borrowdale joins on a one-month loan deal and goes straight into the JPT squad. Despite big money moves involving Crystal Palace, Coventry and QPR between 2007 and 2009, he’s most recently been out on loan after rarely troubling the scribe for Ranger’s first team squad sheet.


HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 CARLISLE UTD 0 – JPT NORTHERN FINAL SECOND LEG (Carlisle win 4-3 on aggregate)
Things were fairly comfortable for the first 70 minutes as Carlisle resolutely defended their 4-0 first leg lead with some good keep-ball football keeping the Terriers to a single goal from Pilkington. Two quick goals from Alan Lee changed all that with not a clean pair of undercrackers left in the away end once the referee had finished the game after 10 minutes of normal time and five minutes of extended time picked from nowhere.

* Player Ratings: Collin 9 (star man), Simek 6, Michalik 4, Murphy 6, Borrowdale 6, Noble 6, Berrett 5, Marshall 5, Loy 4, Zoko 4, Curran 4. Subs: Robson 3

Feb 11th (Fri)
The Club reach agreement with Hull to allow Cooper to continue his loan spell with the Cumbrians once his hand has recovered in early March.

Feb 12th (Sat)

STOCKPORT YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
In a rare run out for the youth team with just their 3rd league game since the end of October, a young team featuring a number of U16s and trialists lost out to an older, more physical side having battled back from a 2-0 deficit through goals from the outstanding McKenna and Symington.

SOUTHAMPTON 1 CARLISLE UTD 0

The circus really did come to town in front of a bumper crowd swelled by a number of voucher-collecting glory hunters ahead of their FA Cup tie against Man Utd. The Saints were left indebted to a referee intent on maintaining the party atmosphere when Carlisle showed signs of ruining the script. Having held out well for 40 minutes, Coco showed a second yellow to Borrowdale after Chamberlain had pulled his shirt in a vain attempt to catch a ball rapidly out for a goal kick. While Robson was stripping off to shore up the left-back position, it was inevitably left to Lambert to score the winner just before half-time. A battling performance in the second half was almost rewarded by a late equaliser but it was not to be.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 6, Michalik 6, Murphy 8 (star man), Borrowdale 5, Noble 6, Berrett 6, Taiwo 6, Marshall 5, Loy 4, Zoko 4. Subs: Robson 6

Feb 14th (Mon)

Rising star Mark Gillespie signs an agreement with Carlisle keeping him at the club until the summer of 2012.

Feb 15th (Tue)

OLDHAM 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
In a fairly low-quality but entertaining game for the 8,500 crowd swelled by a cheap ticket offer, super-sub Craig Curran finally found the barn door with a tap-in winner 10 minutes from time. Not for the first time, a bit of skill and determination on the bye line from Marshall led to the chance in a match featuring exemplary goalkeeping performances from two sides needing the win for different reasons. Handbags were raised by several players and the Oldham coaching team just after the goal in salute of Carlisle’s fine performance.

* Player Ratings: Collin 8.38 (star man), Simek 7, Michalik 7.75, Murphy 6.88, Robson 6.75, Noble 6.5, Berrett 7.13, Taiwo 8.25, Marshall 6.88, Loy 5.5, Zoko 6. Subs: Curran 8.25

The home game scheduled on JPT final weekend against Plymouth is moved forward to March 15th.

Feb 17th (Thu)

The Pilgrims of Plymouth will be dropping in on Tuesday, March 15th if still in business. Since they play away at Hartlepool on the Saturday before, that could mean the players and supporters will be setting off more or as less as soon as they arrive back in Devon!

Feb 18th (Fri)

Both teams are charged by the FA under the rule of failing to control their players in what historians are already calling ‘The Battle of Boundary Park’.

Feb 19th (Sat)

BLACKPOOL YOUTH 0 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2
A Potts toe-poke from a keeper fumble on 64 minutes and Symington’s cool finish from new player Tom Berwick’s through ball gave the Youth team their first victory since mid-November. Blackpool had been flying high near the top of the Puma Youth Alliance North West Conference table (phew) with a 9-1-3 WDL record compared with Carlisle’s 1-5-5 going into the game.


SWINDON TOWN 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
Seemingly suffering from the same post-promotion-near-miss syndrome suffered by the Blues under John Ward a few years ago, Swindon’s long, long, long, long home unbeaten record against Carlisle is finally ended thanks to a 35 yard knockout blow delivered from the boot of James Berrett.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 7, Michalik 7.5, Murphy 7.5, Robson 6.5, Noble 9 (star man), Berrett 7.5, Taiwo 7.5, Marshall 7, Loy 6, Zoko 7. Subs: Livesey 7.5, Curran 6, Madden 6.5.

Feb 21st (Mon)

The new date for the Orient away game is set for April 12th.

Feb 22nd (Tue)

ACCRINGTON STANLEY (“WHO ARE THEY”) YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
Just to prove lightening does strike twice, the young ‘uns made it two wins in four days with a good victory against the Accies. Beck equalised an early Stanley goal to make it one a piece at half time. Tom Berwick then put the Blues ahead with a superb overhead left-foot volley (Rooney who?). Despite being pegged back, a Jones winner sealed the points.

CARLISLE UTD 2 EXETER CITY 2
A good end-to-end contest finished with a fair result to both teams. A good move involving Noble, Marshall and Zoko set up the chance on 9 minutes for Curran to slide in United’s opener. Exeter then hit back with two fine goals from the lively Harley, a man already sold in the January window to Swansea City but allowed to play on loan. Just before half-time, Curran returned the favour by nodding Marshall’s cross into the path of Zoko, who scored from close range. Despite some fine football from the Cumbrians in the second, they couldn’t quite find their way through for a winner.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 6.67, Livesey 6.33, Murphy 4.33, Robson 6.33, Noble 7, Berrett 6.83, Taiwo 7.67, Marshall 6.5, Curran 8.67 (star man), Zoko 7.33.

Feb 23rd (Wed)

CELTIC RESERVES 7 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0 – FRIENDLY
A little bit men versus boys in this behind-closed-doors friendly at Celtic’s training ground. Paddy Madden managed to put a penalty into a low earth orbit during the first half. The Hoops had a strong side out featuring four first teamers while United featured two trialists in Krystian Eissele, invited up from Soccer Academy (IASA) and Greg King, an Australian-born footballer who flew in to join United on a 10-day trial on Monday morning. A number of the side were also fatigued from playing 24 hours earlier at Accrington.

Team: Gillespie, McGlen, Potts, Swinglehurst, King, Symington (Eissele 35), Gbarssin, Towler, McKenna, Madden, Wells. Subs: Bowman, Osmond, Todd, Sloan, Beck, Berwick (the subs were used in a rolling substitution manner throughout).

Feb 24th (Thu)

One time loanee and transfer target Mike Grella follows the Google Map directions left behind by Vince Pericard and ends up at Swindon on an emergency loan.

Feb 26th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 SHREWSBURY YOUTH 2
The Youth team’s first home game since early November ended in defeat after a late winner two minutes from the end. Beck had earlier headed in Symington’s deep cross to equalise in the first-half as the Blues made most of the running. Jamie Clarey played up front as a trialist having been released by Middlesbrough.

CARLISLE UTD 0 SHEFF. WED 1
In front of a disappointing crowd of below 7,000, a game of few chances was settled by a Miller volley on 20 after some loose defending at a corner. The best efforts for Carlisle while attacking the waterworks in the first were a curling shot from Marshall palmed away by Weaver and Curran’s run and shot just past the far post. The second half was a non-event as far as clear chances was concerned as United blew a great chance to stay on the coat tail of the race for a play-off berth.

* Player Ratings: Collin 4.2, Simek 3.4, Livesey 4.2, Murphy 6.2 (star man), Robson 3.8, Noble 4.2, Berrett 4.8, Taiwo 5, Marshall 4, Curran 5, Zoko 4. Subs: Madden 4.5, Loy 4.5, McKenna 4.5
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-01-08T13:07:31+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/857ef8d7a633f7ee5e30f6d3ef7f66c4-106.html#unique-entry-id-106http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/857ef8d7a633f7ee5e30f6d3ef7f66c4-106.html#unique-entry-id-106Jan 1st (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2
Craig Curran made a surprising return to the first team, it later being revealed that Zoko has been carrying an injury that has restricted his training. The ‘ginner’ ran around reasonably effectively but couldn’t prevent the Yorkshire club taking a two-nil lead early in the second half. Having come on for Grella a little earlier, Zoko’s header on 71 pulls one back before the comeback is complete with 8 remaining as Chester powers in a header from Berrett’s corner.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Simek 6.0, Robson 5.75, Chester 6.0, Michalik 6.25, Berrett 6.75, Grella 5.75, Taiwo 6.25, Madine 7.0 (star man), Marshall 6.5, Curran 5.25. Subs: Thirlwell 6.0, Zoko 7.0, Bowman 5.75

Jan 2nd (Sun)

Striker Nahki Wells (see 25/11 diary) puts his University course on hold and agrees a 5-month deal with Carlisle.

Jan 3rd (Mon)

Spot the Wirral connection; Chester is pulled out of the visit to Tranmere. More to the point, Sir Alex gives Abbott the information he didn’t want to hear with the news that James Chester will be permanently joining Hull City on a 2 and a half year deal with immediate effect.

The rumour mill suggests young striker Andy Cook will not be offered a new contract in the summer.

The Carlisle player with the most goals over the last 6 league games (three) is …. Zoko? Chester or Madine? No. Grella? Nope. Carlisle’s Darlo loanee Mark Bridge-scoring-goals-for-fun-Wilkinson is out on his own after a 25-yarder against Barrow.

TRANMERE ROVERS 2 CARLISLE UNITED 1
The run becomes a worrying 2 points from the last 15 as their disappointing run against relegation candidates continues. This time the team fails to hang on to a point it seemed to be destined for when Berrett equalised from Grella’s cross with just 12 minutes remaining. In a remarkable game of missed spot-kicks, Chester’s replacement Murphy blasted over the bar on 17 after a handball in the Rovers box. A puzzled Abbott later revealed that Berrett is and remains the club’s nominated penalty taker. After taking the lead just before half-time, Tranmere proceeded to be awarded two of their own; the first being well saved by Collin and the second producing an even better save as his fingertips deflected the goal-bound penalty onto the post. With the game entering the final 10 minutes, more ‘Blackburn owner’ (i.e. headless chicken) defending sees Thomas-Moore pounce on a loose ball within the box to score the winner.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 5, Robson 5, Murphy 4, Michalik 5, Berrett 4, Thirlwell 5, Taiwo 5, Madine 6, Marshall 8 (star man), Curran 5. Subs: Grella 7, Zoko 7.

Jan 4th (Tue)

Ashley Eastham’s brief and less than successful loan spell is brought to an end as he immediately takes up the offer of a similar loan at Cheltenham. His only appearance was in the FA Cup game against Tamworth, which elicited a home defensive performance wobblier than Dawn French’s backside.

No further news from the club is forthcoming on Mike Grella and Michalik’s loan spells, which were also due up on the 3rd. One future that is resolved however is Richard Offtoanothercareeriong after a mutual agreement is reached on the remainder of his contract as he is allowed to leave gratis.

Amongst several managers to receive the order of the boot during or immediately after the festive period is former gaffa Paul Simpson.

Smoggie hot shot Danny Graham reaches 75 appearances Watford and as such, nets Carlisle another £30,000 as the tribunal deal was for up to 5 such blocks for every 15 games. He’s now scored 30 goals in those games and netted the club £350,000 in transfer fees. Carlisle still have a 15% sell-on clause and a potential £200,000 if Watford get promoted either this season or next season.

Jan 5th (Wed)

Adam Murray departs Luton to join Mansfield following a successful loan spell thereby leaving only a few clubs left to tick off for a full suite of Conference teams. Forest’s former UK springboard champion Joe Garner is rumoured to be lined up with Barnsley following a less than successful loan spell with Huddersfield.

Jan 6th (Thu)

The noises around flying winger Ben Marshall and possibly a season long loan deal appear positive at this time according to the club.

After a record of 1 goal in 11 matches (6 starts, 5 as sub) across three months, the pulses are not exactly racing the same way over the Jason Price’s return from Bradford City.

Jan 7th (Fri)

Subject to verification, it would appear that Cruise’s loan spell has been extended.


* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Jan 8th (Sat)

Ben Marshall’s loan spell is extended to the end of the season. I’ll be surprised if he can still find Stoke-on-Trent on a map by the time summer comes around.

BURNLEY YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 0
A fine finish on 4 minutes and a defensive mistake on 37 put paid the youth team’s hopes of victory in a season that continues to disappoint. The youngsters however went on to dominate and create several good chances in the second half leaving that a feeling that a win is just around the corner.

TORQUAY UTD 1 CARLISLE UNITED 0 – F.A.CUP 3rd ROUND

The fact that the bookmakers made the Gulls the pre-match favourites hardly eases the pain of another disappointingly disjointed performance from the Blues that sees them crash out of the cup. Having to play skipper Thirlwell as a make-shift centre half exposed the lack of options available to the club and the faith (or not) in the reserves and youngsters supposedly pushing for a place in the first team.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 5, Cruise 3, Murphy 7, Thirlwell 6, Berrett 4, Taiwo 4, Madine 4, Robson 5, Zoko 2, Marshall 6 (star man), Subs: Curran 4, Hurst 3, Gbarssin 0.

Jan 10th (Mon)

Ooooh look, more loan players! Two 19 year-olds join on one-month temporary deals, Tom Cooper a defender with Hull who has been capped at Scotland U-19 level and Liam Noble, a “creative midlfielder” from Sunderland. They are both highly rated by their respective tea..… oh, who cares.

Jan 11th (Tue)

RANGERS RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UNITED RESERVES 0
Despite the result against a Rangers side made up of a mixture of first team players and reserve youngsters, it was a very useful run out for several fringe players including Livesey’s return from injury, MBW and Price in their first games since returning from their loan spells, Wells in his first game as a Carlisle player and new loan signing Tom Cooper. Amongst those was Michael Lee, a 20-year-old left back from Longford Town FC (League of Ireland first division) on trial until Saturday evening. Rangers had earlier missed a penalty in the fifth minute of the match as keeper Mark Gillespie beat the ball away but scored twice after the break.

Gillespie, McGlen, Livesey, Cooper (Swinglehurst), Lee (Potts), Gbarssin, Bridge-Wilkinson (Todd), Hurst, McKenna, Price (Cook), Wells (Towler).

Tom Cruise’s loan spell is now not extended following rumours to the contrary. It sounds rather like the slip against Torquay for their goal was the deal breaker.

It’s announced that media tart in waiting Gregg Abbott will be a panel guest at the launch of a new series of ‘Late Kick Off’ next Monday on BBC1 at 11.05pm.

Jan 12th (Wed)

The appropriately named Dale Minor signs Youth scholarship forms with United having being released by Burnley. The left-back had previously been on the books of Everton and had impressed while on trial in a friendly against Morecambe.

Jan 14th (Fri)

Carlisle beat off competition (or perhaps the ‘competition’ didn’t show up) to sign human brick outhouse Michalik on an 18-month deal after what many would consider an impressive loan period.

In one going the other way, forward Andy Cook leaves to join Barrow on a two-and-a-half year deal. Cook didn’t make a first-team appearance during his time at the club and is now deemed at the age where he should be playing regular, first-team football.

Sky Sports report that Reading left-back Marcus Williams has turned down an initial one-month loan at the mighty Blues.

Two former players on the move include Paul Reid, still only 28, who finds himself back in the Championship (….. for six more months) after a £100,000 bid from Scunthorpe secures a move from Colchester (next stop Hartlepool?). Corry Evans, whose only appearance was in a 1-1 draw at next day’s opponents Rovers, joins Hull City on a 6-month loan with a view to a permanent deal.

Jan 15th (Sat)

After a very successful number of months on loan at Blyth Spartans, young keeper Mark Gillespie returns to progress his tuition with Collin and Caigy.

Things are going well for Vince Pericard down at Swindon. In a game where they lost 0-1 at home to strugglers Yeovil, he was booed coming ON to the pitch! Even the Paddock allows a player 5 minutes grace before the moaning starts…..


Gary Madine’s move to Sheffield Wednesday is made public just 48 hours after the discussions had commenced as he signs a four-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee, rumoured by the majority to be £500,000 rising to £800,000 in the form of potential add ons. Previous summer target Paul Heffernan, now with the Owls, is rumoured to be moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

CARLISLE UTD 4 BRISTOL ROVERS 0
Helped by the sending off of Rovers’ Danny Coles on 61 after a two-footed lunge on Zoko, a strong performance played in atrocious conditions eases the Cumbrians up two places in the league to 14th. A new-look defence with Murphy moving across to left-back and Michalik partnering assured new-boy Tom Cooper in the middle had a few shaky moments in the first 45 but as their understanding improved, so did the rest of the team. Berrett netted two penalties, the first on 44 following a handball and the second on 81 after man-of-the-match Marshall was brought down. In between, Curran finished well from Berrett’s slide rule pass on 57 and Cooper scored on his debut with a header on 73. One of the key decisive points was the. There was also time for the crowd to see Noble and Wells making their debuts and as Andy Hall pointed out, it was possibly the most cosmopolitan Carlisle United team ever with a Scotsman, an American, a Slovakian, an Ivorian, a Frenchman and a Bermudan representing the side.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.5, Simek 6.17, Murphy 6.67, Cooper 7.58, Michalik 7.25, Berrett 8.17, Thirlwell 7.83, Taiwo 6.67, Zoko 6.67 , Curran 8.0, Marshall 9.0 (star man).

Jan 17th (Mon)

Mutual agreement is reached with one of the Blues’ most profitable replica shirt names in recent years as 31 year-old MBW is released from his agreement and returns to Darlo on an 18-month contract.

Jan 18th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 4 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 - JPT NORTHERN SECTION FINAL FIRST-LEG
Gary who? We’ll have to sell our leading goal scorer more often after a rampant Carlisle netted their eighth goal in the space of 4 days without reply not to mention sixth against Huddersfield following the recent comeback in the league. Marshall, Taiwo, Murphy and Marshall were on the score sheet this time making it seven unique players celebrating the locating of the onion bag over the two games. Noble impressed on his first start for the club after Thirlwell pulled out with a niggle and the reporter from Sky was salivating over the likes of Zoko, one of the few to surprisingly miss out on the goal fest from

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.83, Simek 7.00, Murphy 7.83, Cooper 8.25, Michalik 8.50, Berrett 7.92, Noble 7.75, Taiwo 8.33, Zoko 8.75 (star man), Curran 7.67, Marshall 8.33.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Jan 20th (Thu)

Grella decides to join SPL side Motherwell on loan until the end of the season citing the wish to try something different.

Aldershot sign former Blue-defender Simon Grand on loan from Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
Grand now 26, has recently completed a loan spell at Mansfield and joins new Shots manager Dean Holdsworth, another former Carlisle player.

There are rumours that Donny have been scouting Tom Taiwo with a view to a possible move.

Jan 21st (Fri)

It’s confirmed that the Promotion Play-Off finals for League 1 and 2 will be held at Old Trafford this year.

After an excellent first full appearance, Noble has been given permission to extend his initial months’ loan until the end of the season.


Grella’s proposed move north of the border falls through after being stopped and barred from going over the wall by a group of vigilante Carlisle fans the SFA refused to sanction the loan deal because Grella had already played for Leeds and Carlisle this season. FIFA rules stipulate a player can be registered to three clubs in the course of a season but can only play for two in cases involving an international transfer as in this instance.

Jan 22nd (Sat)

NOTTS. COUNTY 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
United’s first but hopefully not last double of the season was achieved with a well-fought win on an appalling pitch and a referee of equal standing. Taking nothing away from the team, County looked like a side who were trying to save themselves for next week and a big day in the limelight against Man. City.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.75, Simek 7.13, Murphy 7.63, Cooper 7.13, Michalik 8.50 (star man), Berrett 7.00, Noble 7.25, Taiwo 7.25, Zoko 7.88, Curran 6.75, Marshall 7.75.

Jan 27th (Thu)

Joe Dudgeon will have the opportunity to keep League One forwards well shackled after moving to Carlisle until the end of the season. As Greg and Sir Alex slowly work their way through the Red Devil’s Reserve team squad, Dudgeon is a versatile defender who can play both left-back and centre-half with ‘a bit of a throw’. The 20 year-old has also represented N.Ireland at U-21 level.

Rumours on the Crewe Alex. messageboard suggest a £120,000 move for forward Clayton Donaldson.

Jan 28th (Fri)

Having played and scored twice for Rangers against Carlisle in the friendly just 17 days earlier and trained down at Brunton Park all week, 22 year-old striker Rory Loy finds himself swapping jerseys again; this time on a permanent basis. Loy has played 10 games for the Gers with one sub appearance this season having been snapped up as a youngster from Kilmarnock. His 2009 loan spell at Dunfermline saw him net 3 times from 23 games although many of those were from the wing.


Having had only token involvement through the season, it’s with no surprise that Kevan Hurst is allowed to seek first team football with Morecambe until the end of the season. Let’s hope he stays off the candy floss, chips and other goodies or we’ll never get him back in any shape. Soft Cell once sang “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and no better tune fits Jason Price’s the season having only just found and unpacked his bags from Bradford. Walsall proves to be his next destination in their fight against relegation as he goes on to galvanise the team to a 6-1 shoeing of Bristol Rovers a day later.

Jan 29th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 2 OLDHAM ATH. 2
Carlisle recovered from a shocking first half that could have seen them 3 or 4 down to fight back and earn a point against a spirited Oldham side. Dudgeon practically throws the ball into the net with one of his first attempts as the spirit of Rory lives on.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.17, Simek 4.67, Murphy 5.33, Cooper 5.33, Michalik 4.33, Berrett 6.17, Noble 4.83, Taiwo 5.00, Zoko 5.67, Curran 6.00, Marshall 5.67. Subs: Thirlwell 6.67 (star man), Dudgeon 6.33, Robson 5.33

Jan 30th (Sun)
Marco G’bage signs for the rest of the season having been on a 1-month deal. Perhaps the Torquay cameo was a one-off after all.

Jan 31st (Mon)

Twenty year-old Bohemians striker ‘Paddy’ Madden, not to be confused with Irish tour company Paddywagon, signs on the dotted line for an undisclosed fee on a contract until 2013. The fleet-footed forward has represented Eire up to U-23 level and was rumoured to be sought by of a host of other clubs including Derby, Celtic, Millwall and Burnley. Even former team mate of Shrek (Brian Shelley) didn’t dissuade him from joining the Blues.

Perhaps a little surprisingly given the lack of options there, ex-Blackburn defender Tony Kane is mutually released from his contract to allow him to go back to Ireland in search of a club having made just a handful of appearances in his time at the club.


A number of former players on some would say hard times, are on the move. Joe Garner will be tumbling and falling over at Glanford Park Scunny for the remainder of the season on loan from Forest. Scott Dobie’s knobbly knees will be similarly knocking around Valley Parade for Bradford having only made 5 appearances for St. Johnstone after being told that he won’t be offered a new deal. Der-der-der-der Simon Hackney tries to resurrect his faltering career with a loan move from Colchester to Oxford. They are all still luckier than Danny Carlton who after only two starts in an injury-plagued 18 months, is released by Bury.

Ian Ashbee’s surprise transfer request and move from Hull City to Preston potentially lessens the prospect of Cooper remaining on loan for the remainder of the season.


]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2011-01-08T13:06:25+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/4202131344626b655039a4579e41a108-105.html#unique-entry-id-105http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/4202131344626b655039a4579e41a108-105.html#unique-entry-id-105Dec 6th (Mon)

Tom Cruise will be wearing the blue of Carlisle rather than his aviator jacket for a further month.

Dec 11th (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 0 DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 2
Well what chance did we stand against two teams? The same side that had previously swept aside Sheffield Wednesday was out fought and out played over the 90 minutes even though it took two late goals to settle the match.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.4, Simek 5.0, Cruise 4.6, Chester 5.7, Michalik 5.2, Berrett 5.0, Thirlwell 5.8, Taiwo 5.0, Zoko 5.0 , Madine 6.0, Marshall 6.8 (star man).

Dec 14th (Tue)

Zoko signs an extension to his present deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2011/2 season.

This now leaves the following players out of contract at the end of the season at time of writing:
Ryan Bowman, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Andy Cook, Mark Gillespie, Kevan Hurst, Tony Kane, Sean McDaid (with further one year option), Peter Murphy, Richard Offiong (with further one year option), Jason Price, Matty Robson and Paul Thirlwell.

Dec 15th (Wed)

The early signs are that Michalik remains interested in a longer spell at the club following an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria.
"I'm here until 3 January, if I can stay I will. In my opinion I have no big future at Leeds, but you never know. I'm playing games, which is the most important thing for me. Maybe I would be happier to stay here."

The JPT Southern Final first leg between Brentford v Exeter and held right in the centre of Sky’s empire is surprise, surprise chosen to be the televised game . Following their win at Tranmere, Carlisle will have to win over two games against Huddersfield to get to Wembley with the first tie played week commencing January 17th at Brunton Park.

Dec 17th (Fri)

The big freeze descends on Britain with the planned trip to Yeovil called off while the team was training at their half-way house in Stoke. The match will now be played on Tuesday, March 29th, just a few days ahead of the potential JPT final at Wembley.

Dec 26th (Sun)

Away to Oldham also bites the dust with the game being rearranged for Tuesday, February 15th.

Dec 28th (Tue)

The planned home game against Exeter is another victim of the weather, although not helped by the idiocy of the festive period fixture list. The game will now be played on Tuesday, February 22nd.

Dec 30th (Thu)

More Comminges and goings at the club. What’s good enough for Guadeloupe clearly isn’t good enough for Carlisle as they decide not to offer a permanent deal to Miguel stating that he wouldn’t improve the present squad.

Dec 31st (Fri)

For those that thought Gbarssin was a neighbouring planet to Endor in the Star Wars universe, think again. He’s in fact the latest midfielder to join the club as Marc-Antoine Gbarssin to give him his full name agrees a one-month contract in principle following a successful three-week trial at the club. The 26-year old Frenchman, who recently left Danish side FC Fredericia after his short-term contract at the club came to an end was previously something of a rising star at Royal Antwerp before injury and a contract dispute led to a couple of lost years within his football career.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-11-23T19:33:45+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ad9da1546c5315759bdc5ec6e427c3c3-104.html#unique-entry-id-104http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/ad9da1546c5315759bdc5ec6e427c3c3-104.html#unique-entry-id-104Nov 1st (Mon)

Although “Not better than what we’ve got” was the general opinion from those at the Penrith game, Ransford Addo will stay on trial for an additional week.

Nov 2nd (Tue)

Tom Kennedy unfortunately but not surprisingly opts to join former-club Rochdale on loan.


CARLISLE UNITED 2 TRANMERE ROVERS 0
Madine’s penalty-kick voodoo continued with a woeful effort in the first-half although it was Tranmere’s turn to miss first. A controversial award following former loanee John Welsh’s stumble in the penalty box was cancelled out by Collin’s fine save. Zoko’s neat back-heel fed Berrett on 42 as he showed Madine how to strike the ball cleanly from area of the penalty spot. Berrett was also involved in the second on 49 as his corner was buried into the corner by Murphy.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.33, Simek 6, Michalik 7.33, Murphy 7.67, Berrett 7.67, Taiwo 6.17, Zoko 7, Madine 5, Robson 6.67, Grella 6.67, Marshall 8.33 (star man).

Nov 3rd (Wed)

Working Knight and Day behind the scenes to secure a left back, Arsenal and England U-19 starlet Tom Cruise joins the Blues on an initial one-month loan. Cruise has made one appearance for the Gunners; that in a Champions’ League match last December in a game where they were blooding youngsters having gained qualification.

James Chester is declared fit for Saturday and should play in the centre with either Murphy or the returning Livesey.

Nov 5th (Fri)

The club tell Ransford that they have “Addo nuff” of the trialist.

Nov 6th (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 6 TIPTON TOWN 0 – F.A. CUP 1ST ROUND
It’s like men versus boys for the first 20 as Carlisle sweep to a 4-0 advantage. Madine has another four goals to his name by the end and young McKenna has his first 45 minutes of first team football under his belt.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Simek 7.5, Cruise 8, Chester 7.5, Murphy 7.5, Berrett 7, Taiwo 7, Zoko 8, Madine 8.5, Robson 6.5, Marshall 9 (star man). Subs: McKenna 6, Hurst 6.5, Curran 6.5.

Nov 7th (Sun)

The F.A. Cup 2nd round draw throws up a home tie against Blue Square Premier side Tamworth. One of several non-league giant killers in the first round in their despatching of Crewe 2-1, Tamworth currently sit 16th, three points above the relegation zone. The game will be played on November 27th and offers the chance of sweet revenge for Matt “The Whale” Redmile’s winner in the game played at The Lamb during our Conference season.

Nov 9th (Tue)

CARLISLE UNITED 3 CREWE ALEX 1 - JPT NORTHERN SECTION ROUND 3 (QTR-FINALS)
Carlisle remain on track for Wembley after winning the battle of the railwaymen as it used to be called. The scoreline slightly flattered the Cumbrians with their spirited opponents dominating for long periods of the game. Robson’s fine cross on 14 was turned into his own net by Donaldson under pressure from Cumbrian middleweight champion Gary ‘Mad’ Madine. It’s 2-1 in the space of three minutes as Murph heads in Berrett’s corner on 72 and Donaldson pulls one back to make amends. Playing in something like his old form, the nerves are settled five minutes from time with a repeat of the second goal as Murph heads in again.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Simek 6, Cruise 5, Michalik 6, Murphy 8 (star man), Berrett 7, Taiwo 6, Grella 6, Madine 7, Robson 6, Marshall 7.5.

Nov 10th (Wed)

MORECAMBE RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UNITED RESERVES 1
A youthful team are narrowly beaten by Morecambe. United had just four professionals in their starting eleven whereas Morecambe were able to field a full side of professionals in their line-up. Mark Beck scored what turned out to be a late consolation.

Team: Tony Caig, Lance McGlen, Kieran Cahill, Steven Swinglehurst, Brad Potts, Kevan Hurst, David Symington, Phil Towler, Andy Cook (Mark Beck 79), Craig Curran, Matt Osmond.

Young keeper Mark Gillespie’s successful loan at Blyth Spartans is extended for a further two months. Spartans have had three wins and a draw since his arrival including three clean sheets.

Nov 12th (Fri)

The world’s next big thing aka Tom Aldred joins Stockport on a month’s loan from Watford.

Nov 13th (Sat)

Somebody upstairs wants us to go all the way again with the Blues handed another home draw in the JPT. This time they’ll be playing the money-troubled Owls. The game will be played w/c November 29th but will not unfortunately be televised with Brentford v Charlton being the featured game.


CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 5 MORECAMBE YOUTH 3
The Jonah hanging over the Youth team is finally broken in a great game with Dave Symington helping himself to four goals as they race to a Tipton-like 5-1 lead at half-time before the visitors fought back well in the second half.


CARLISLE UNITED 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2
A fourth win on the trot takes Carlisle back up to 4th after a pulsating match against the Saints. Chester is preferred to Cruise at left-back in a strong line-up. Berrett and Madine combine well to set up a fine finish for Marshall on 21 and the hapless Harding sends Grella’s cross looping over his own keeper a few minutes later to send Carlisle 2-0 up at the break. Although an early goal from Chamberlain puts them back in it, Berrett’s increasingly lucrative corners this time sets up Chester who plants a header past the opposition keeper. Even Hammond’s deflected shot near the end can’t deny them a deserved win.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.0, Simek 7.0, Chester 7.5, Michalik 9.08 (star man), Murphy 7.17, Berrett 6.5, Taiwo 7.83, Grella 7.33, Zoko 6.83, Madine 6.83, Marshall 8.17. Subs: Robson 6.75, Curran 6.25.

Nov 15th (Mon)

Madine is one of five players nominated for the E.ON player of the round award for his four goals against Tipton.

Our loan USA! USA! star Mike Grella is enjoying his time sufficiently to agree to stay until early January while BMW will stay on loan at Darlo until early January after a successful first month with three goals from six appearances.

Nov 17th (Wed)

CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 3 WREXHAM YOUTH 1 – FA YOUTH CUP 1ST ROUND
Despite having to play three preliminaries to get this far, Wrexham take a 1-0 lead just before half-time. Man-of-the-match midfielder Phil Towler plays a one-two with McKenna for the equaliser on 50. Further goals from Ben McKenna and Dan Jones in extra-time seal the win and a home tie against Walsall on December 2nd. Millwall away awaits the winners in round three.

Nov 18th (Thu)

It’s announced that Abbott has been offered a contract extension to the summer of 2013 at the club’s AGM.

Nov 19th (Fri)

After a loan spell disrupted by both illness and injury, it’s agreed that Corry Evans will remain at Man.Utd rather than return to Brunton Park for an extended spell. Back at Leeds, former Blue Adam Clayton goes on a month’s loan to Peterborough.

Nov 20th (Sat)

WALSALL 2 CARLISLE UNITED 1
Despite taking the lead, some sloppy play lets bottom placed Walsall back into the game with two goals from set pieces. The team’s plans had earlier been disrupted by a back spasm the night before ruling out Murphy; Cruise taking over again at left-back and Chester moving back into the centre. Josh Todd, a first year YTS trainee who has been impressing Kinder for some time, was the last minute replacement on the bench joining fellow youth player Steve Swinglehurst.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.14, Simek 5.00, Cruise 3.86, Chester 5.43, Michalik 6.14, Berrett 4.57, Taiwo 5.0, Zoko 4.43, Grella 6.29 (star man), Madine 4.86, Marshall 5.57. Subs: Robson 4.5, Curran 3.5.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Nov 24th (Weds)

Carlisle sign 28 year-old Cardiff City defender Miguel Comminges on loan until the end of the year. He can play across the back four and is available for all competitions including the FA Cup. His bio reveals that he’s an International, a former club player of the year and coming back from serious injury ...... he's practically Guadeloupe's very own version of Frank Simek.

Nov 25th (Thu)

United make their 83rd loan signing of the season with the arrival of Blackpool defender Ashley Eastham. A product of the Tangerines' Youth system, Eastham (19) made two appearances for the first team last season before enjoying a twenty game loan spell with Cheltenham. He joins initially until 3rd January 2011.

Bermuda international striker Nahki Wells is also venturing to Brunton Park for an extended period in December following an impressive first session with the first team squad during the week. Front man Wells, 19, teamed up with the International Soccer Academy (IASA) earlier in the year and has already attracted interest from Hull City and Ipswich Town.

Nov 26th (Fri)

Danny Livesey is to see a specialist next week about his mystery groin injury while Offiong will be rejoining training. Some you lose, some you lose.

On a brighter front, it’s reported that Chester seems willing to stay at the club for the rest of the season and possibly beyond.

Nov 27th (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 3 TAMWORTH 2 – F.A. CUP 2ND ROUND
The FA Cup kitty is up to £45,000 as Eastham and Comminges made their Carlisle debuts in a game that only went ahead at noon after the night’s heavy snowfall had been cleared. The visitors could have been 3-0 up by half time but had to settle for a solitary goal on the half-hour. Cometh the hour, cometh the man; Thirlwell was brought on at half-time together with Cruise and they were instrumental in slowly gaining a grip on the game as the diamond also received a return. Just after the restart, Berrett’s fine shot was pushed onto a post and there was Madine ready to pounce on the rebound. Disaster struck with 15 left as on one of their rare forays, a Tamworth free kick struck a post and was swept in. With just minutes left on the clock and fingernails gnawed to the cuticle, Marshall’s fine pull back from the bye-line was finished by Zoko. To cap it all, Chester’s last-minute bullet header from Berrett’s cross sent them back down the M6 with not even a replay.

* Player Ratings: Collin 8, Simek 5.5, Chester 5.5, Eastham 4.5, Comminges 5, Berrett 6, Taiwo 5, Zoko 6, Madine 7.5, Marshall 6.5. Subs: Thirlwell 8.5 (star man), Curran 4.5, Cruise 6.5

The Youth game at Blackpool is called off due to the bad weather.

Nov 28th (Sun)

Following Tipton and Tamworth, we all had a feeling that either Tottenham or Torquay was coming out of the refurbished wash-dryer tub live on ITV and thanks to the twit Gallagher sticking his used gum under ball number 62, “balls” is about he best comment that can be made on the subject although there are sixty-two and a half thousand good reasons why we should take the game very seriously………

Nov 30th (Tue)

CARLISLE UNITED 3 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 - JPT NORTHERN SECTION SEMI-FINALS
All hail the GeoFleece (any excuse for a sheep picture eh?). An extremely impressive performance by all accounts with several positives to take from the evening including Thirlwell’s first full game since his injury sustained against the same opposition nearly three months earlier and after a shaky start to his Carlisle career, another fine performance at left-back from young loanee Tom Cruise. It was United who was soon cruising following goals from Zoko (30), Michalik (61) and Marshall (69). Most of the Owls fans had already started their snow-bound journey back in when their late consolation went in. The 22 goal total for the month might be the most CUFC has scored in a calendar month since the 24 netted in October 1963. Either Tranmere or Huddersfield await in next year’s Northern Section Final for a chance to go to Wembley.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.75, Simek 7.75, Cruise 7.5, Chester 8.0, Michalik 8.75, Berrett 8.0, Thirlwell 8.0, Taiwo 8.25, Zoko 8.25, , Madine 7.75, Marshall 9.0 (star man).

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-10-08T20:17:19+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/e5136c62ea80fe0199e3a9d7d41d274d-103.html#unique-entry-id-103http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/e5136c62ea80fe0199e3a9d7d41d274d-103.html#unique-entry-id-103Oct 2nd (Sat)

BLACKPOOL YOUTH 3 CARLISLE YOUTH 1
A Carlisle side ravaged by injuries and having to play a number of trialists never had a chance against a very well-drilled Blackpool side that are now well clear of the league standings.

Team: Jon Ball, Mark Sloan (Luke Carr 24), Adam Telfer, Steven Swinglehurst, Lance McGlen, Matt Osmond, David Symington, Phil Towler (Josh Calvert 60), Mark Beck, Dan Jones (Adam Gill 70), Gavin Hoggarth.


CARLISLE UTD 0 PETERBOROUGH UTD 1
Perhaps the team had supped one too many pre-match pints of the new Real Ale on offer in the Sunset Suite but whatever happened, a physical Peterborough team were able to take the points down south in a game of few chances. Although soberly better in the 2nd half as the formation went full-circle back to the diamond again and probably deserving of a draw over the 90, the team couldn’t quite apply the killer touch.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.6, Simek 7 (star man), Chester 6.4, Murphy 6, McDaid 4.2, Marshall 5.2, Taiwo 5.7, Berrett 5.2, Zoko 5.1, Robson 5.2, Madine 5.8. Subs: Curran 6.5, Norwood 6.25, Price 5.

Oct 4th (Mon)
A weekend loss to Barnet sees Hereford United sack former blue Simon Davey after winning just one of their 10 league games in charge.

Michalik returns from Leeds and treatment on his banjo-stringed hamstring and although making good progress, he won’t make it for the weekend game against the Magpies.

Oct 5th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 2 PORT VALE 2 – JPT NORTHERN SECTION ROUND 2. CARLISLE WON 4-3 ON PENALTIES
A case of two tremendous comebacks in one night from the Blues in front of just over 2,200 fans. After looking down and out trailing 2-0 with less than a quarter of an hour of the game remaining, first of all Chester hammers home a header from a Berrett cross. Five minutes later and super subs Hurst and Price combine to give the latter his first goal of the season. Straight to penalties, Curran’s early miss sees Vale lead 2-0 and then 3-1. Shoot out king Collin then pulls off two saves before Simek seals the victory following earlier successes from Hurst, Berrett and Robson.

* Player Ratings (to follow): Collin, Simek, Chester, Murphy, McDaid, Norwood, Berrett, Taiwo, Marshall, Madine, Curran.
Subs: Hurst, Robson, Price.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

Oct 8th (Fri)

Coach Graham Kavanagh has surgery on his knee and will miss the next six months.

Oct 9th (Sat)

Let the battle of the railway clichés commence – “there are no points at stake in this game but the Cumbrians will be keen to keep their journey to Wembley on track” and so on and so on. The luck of the draw goes with Carlisle once again as they pick up another home tie against a division two side, this time Crewe Alexandra. The game will take place w/c November 8th.

PORT VALE YOUTH 3 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
One from Steven Swinglehurst and two from Mark Beck secure a draw against high-flying Port Vale.

CARLISLE UNITED 1 NOTTS.CO 0
Karl Hawley’s ‘just for old times sake’ repayment to his former club was to squander a series of good chances for County before Madine eased the nerves on 68 with the winner not long after Westcarr had headed against the post for the visitors. Robson made some inroads against his full-back and set up both the winner and the better chances that immediately followed.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 6.88, Chester 6.50, Murphy 7.13, McDaid 6.88, Norwood 5.38, Berrett 6, Taiwo 6, Zoko 7.5 (star man), Madine 5.63, Curran 5.38. Subs: Robson 7.25.

Oct 12th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 9 ASPATRIA RESERVES 1 – CUMBERLAND CUP SECOND ROUND
Cook, McKenna and Bowman score a brace apiece as a strong Carlisle line-up sweep aside Aspatria. McKenna was particularly impressive in a new central midfield role. The team will next play home to Penrith in the third round.

Team: Caig (Gillespie), McGlen, Kane, Swinglehurst, Osmond, Robson (Symington), Bridge-Wilkinson, Hurst, McKenna, Bowman, Cook (Beck).

The Youth Team will face either Sheffield-based side Hallam or Wrexham at home in the first round of the FA Youth Cup, both sides having won three qualifiers to get that far. The tie has to be played by November 6th.

USA! USA! Leeds forward Mike Grella joins the Blues for an initial 1-month spell on loan. The 23 year-old has made 36 appearances and scored 4 goals for Leeds (although operating mostly from the bench) including a goal in the 2nd leg JPT thriller at Brunton Park last season.

Oct 13th (Wed)

Short of genuine pitch time and competitive reserve team football, Hair Bear Jason Price is off on a 1-month loan spell to struggling Bradford City.

Oct 15th (Fri)

Reserve and Youth keeper Mark Gillespie goes on a 1-month loan deal to Blyth Spartans to get some extra experience. That’ll toughen him up.

MBW ‘does one’ to uber strugglers Darlo for 1-month for much the same reason as Jason Price. Think of it as an apology for Richard Offiong.

Oct 16th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 BURNLEY YOUTH 3
Two late goals from a strong Burnley side leaves Carlisle still looking for their first league win. There were strong performances from striker Mark Beck and left-back Keiran Cahill. Swinglehurst will miss the next three weeks with a broken nose.

EXETER CITY 2 CARLISLE UNITED 1
Two early defensive gifts from Carlisle left the team with a long journey back contemplating how they lost this one against a team that had to be play the now veteran former Blue Rob Edwards as an emergency centre-half. Grella and Robson’s second-half introduction sparked the team back into life with the latter’s 35 yard free kick on 71 being a candidate for goal of the season. With chances cleared off the line, they couldn’t quite make their second half pressure count.

* Player Ratings: Collin 4, Simek 4, Chester 5, Murphy 5, McDaid 6, Norwood 5, Berrett 5, Taiwo 6, Zoko 6, Madine 5, Curran 5. Subs: Robson 9 (=star man), Grella 9 (=star man).

Oct 18th (Mon)
Norwood agrees a further 1-month loan deal and will be available up to and including the Southampton home game on November 13th. What can go wrong?

Oct 19th (Tue)

Norwood tears a thigh muscle in training and will be out for the next four weeks.

Oct 20th (Wed)

Utility man Ransford Addo joins United on a 2-week trial starting with the afternoon’s reserve team game. The 27 year-old Ghanaian has recently been playing in Belgium where he played for Club Brugge and Royal Antwerp.

TRANMERE ROVERS RESERVES 1 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 1
Marshall scores a wonder goal on 8 minutes before a disappointing second half sees Tranmere equalise.

Team: Caig, Symington, Osmond, Kane, McGlen, Addo, Hurst, McKenna, Cook, Bowman, Marshall

Oct 21st (Thu)

Heartbreak for Sean McDaid as he undergoes surgery on an injured right knee that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Better news is that Offiong, Thirlwell, Michalik and Livesey are all near a return to full training and perhaps 1-2 weeks from being available for selection.

Oct 22nd (Fri)

Emulating a loan move of last season, 18 year-old striker Ryan Bowman joins the Edmondson master class down the road in Workington for a further 1-month loan spell.

Man Utd reserve team utility man Corry Evans signs on a 1-month loan deal with Carlisle. Although yet to play for their first team, Evans already has 7 Northern Ireland caps and an international goal to his name and is the younger brother of Johnny Evans.

Oct 23rd (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 ACCRINGTON YOUTH 1
Carlisle once again let a lead slip with a 2nd half header from trialist Colin Bell set up by a Symington cross cancelled by an Accrington free-kick.


CARLISLE UTD 3 CHARLTON ATHLETIC 4
The lack of height, pace and presence in Carlisle’s makeshift defence was cruelly exposed by a team coming off the back of a 0-4 home hiding to the Seagulls a weekend earlier. Robson filled in at left back for McDaid while Chester took an early knock on his knee and had to be replaced early doors by Tony Kane. Zoko struggled on for half an hour after an unpunished tackle left a deep gouge on his ankle. Curran missed the opportunity to give the Blues a perfect start by somehow blazing a shot from a few yards out straight over the bar on 2 minutes. The rule of the returning old boy scoring inevitably saw Joe Anyinsah make the score sheet with a neat flick over Collin and it looked all over when the third went in on 47. A fantastic fight back and three goals in 19 minuets from Grella, Curran and Madine seemed to have secured a deserved point before Benson’s bullet header past Collin from a corner in injury time left no time for recovery.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.25, Simek 6.5, Chester 4.5, Murphy 6.33, Berrett 5.67, Taiwo 6.58, Zoko 3.75, Madine 5.75, Curran 5.33, Robson 5.33, Grella 7.67 (star man). Subs: Kane 6.58, Marshall 5.42.

Darlington makes the 1st Round of the FA Cup after a 6-2 away win with Bridge-Wilkinson finding the net for the Quakers.

Oct 24th (Sun)

Carlisle are given ball number eleven for the FA Cup draw corresponding, it’s believed, to the number of fit professionals left at the club. If we can manage to get a team out that day, there should be an intriguing home tie against either Sheffield FC, the oldest football club in the world, or Tipton from the West Midlands. Sheffield FC play in the Evo-Stik sponsored Northern Premier League Division One South or Step 4 on the non-league pyramid. Tipton are one level below them on the pyramid but are having a romping season in the Midland Alliance League.

Oct 25th (Mon)

The Youth team will play Wrexham in the second round of the FA Youth Cup after their opponents knock out Hallam in a first round replay.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.

Oct 27th (Weds)

PENRITH RESERVES 0 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 2 – CUMBERLAND CUP THIRD ROUND
In a match played in atrocious conditions, Cook and man-of-the-match Marshall each score in the second half to spare the blushes of a strong Carlisle side. Livesey and Michalik both did well and managed to get through an hour of football on their comeback from injury. Addo started quite well but faded while McKenna continues to impress.

Team: Tony Caig, Tony Kane (c), Matt Osmond, Danny Livesey (Lance McGlen 60), Lubomir Michalik (Brad Potts 60), Ransford Addo, David Symington (Phil Towler 67), Ben McKenna, Andy Cook, Ben Marshall, Kevan Hurst.

It’s a home tie against Tipton, the lowest ranked side left in the competition, after they knock out Sheffield F.C. 2-0 in front of 1,429. Grella and Michalik will be cup-tied for the game but the others in the squad should be available.

Oct 28th (Thu)

According to the News & Star, Carlisle are on the trail of Leicester left-back Tom Kennedy as a replacement for injured Sean McDaid. The 25-year-old former Rochdale full-back has only made four appearances for the Foxes since joining the Walkers Stadium club in the summer and new Leicester manager and legendary Secretary chaser Sven-Goran Eriksson appears ready to let the Bury-born player out on loan to get some first-team football. Kennedy, nephew of legendary Liverpool left-back Alan Kennedy, was one of the stars of Rochdale’s League Two promotion campaign and was linked with a host of Championship clubs before signing for Leicester.

Oct 30th (Sat)

PRESTON YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 2 – ALLIANCE CUP, PRESTON WIN 6-5 ON PENALTIES
Goals from Symington and Towler were not quite enough as Carlisle go out of this year’s youth league cup competition.

BRISTOL ROVERS 1 CARLISLE UNITED 1
At this rate we will soon all be telling our children about the game “a long, long time ago” when Carlisle started quickly out of the traps; managing to acquaint themselves with the opposition goal without having to undergo radical surgery to the starting team and formation. On the positive, the changes made us look like a team with some purpose, Michalik and Livesey added some steel to the team, Grella looks a real find if he can be persuaded to stay longer and Marshall finally looked like the player that made Stoke chase his signature from Crewe.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6, Simek 7, Michalik 7, Murphy 6.5, Evans 6.5, Berrett 6.5, Taiwo 7, Madine 7, Curran 5, Robson 5, Grella 8 (star man). Subs: Livesey 7, Marshall 7.

Bridge-Wilkinson played the full 90 minutes and scored in Darlington's 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-10-08T20:15:35+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/8183c47004cfaa52bfb291008a24648c-102.html#unique-entry-id-102http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/8183c47004cfaa52bfb291008a24648c-102.html#unique-entry-id-102September 2nd (Thu)

Yannick Salem has had his lot. He’s released following a two-week trial at the club.

September 3rd (Fri)
Carlisle’s fine start to the season sees Abbott rewarded with a nomination for League 1 Manager of the Month for August. Living up to its billing as a kiss-of-death for the following game, none of the four nominations see their team win at the weekend with two ending in defeat; Andy Irvine (Sheff. W) and Gary Johnson (Peterborough). The winner is announced on the 9th (clue: we didn’t win).

September 4th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 0 SWINDON T 0
Swindon’s tactical decision to sit 11 behind the ball, man-mark danger man Zoko and use the pace of Austin on the break sees the game end in stalemate. Lubo Misakick has, apart from one error, a fairly solid game on his debut.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.06, Simek 7.06, Chester 6.94, Michalik 6.44, McDaid 5.13, Thirlwell 7.13 (star man), Taiwo 6.56, Berrett 6.81, Zoko 6.31, Madine 6.69, Curran 5.69. Subs: Robson 5.5, Marshall 5.5.

September 7th (Tue)

Although only seeing fleeting action from the bench at this time, Barrow decide to extend the loan of striker Andy Cook for a second month.

September 9th (Thu)

The door to Dolly’s treatment room swings repeatedly on its hinges. The latest update notes Livesey is progressing well as he continues to recover from his groin injury. “He has started to run” says the site. There’s a first. He remains on course for a return to training sometime around the middle or end of October. Hurst is out with a back and groin problem although he should return to training in about a week. Bridge-Wilkinson is out for a similar time after hurting his ankle / lower leg in a heavy challenge in training the previous Thursday. The Youth team have several of its squad out undergoing treatment.

Sep 11th (Sat)

SHEFF WEDS 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
Curran finally breaks his goal-scoring duck for the Blues with a superb sweeping shot across the keeper to seal a deserved victory at high-flying Wednesday.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.1, Simek 7.9, Chester 8.2, Michalik 8.3 (star man), McDaid 7.5, Thirlwell 6.9, Taiwo 8, Berrett 7.8, Zoko 8.1, Madine 7.2, Curran 8.

Sep 13th (Mon)

Offiong returns from Darlington after picking up a thigh injury.

Sep 16th (Thu)

Oliver Norwood joins on a 1-month loan from Man.Utd as a direct replacement for the injured Thirlwell. Norwood, who seems to have been with the Old Trafford outfit since he was still in nappies, recently won his first cap for Northern Ireland.

Sep 18th (Sat)

OLDHAM YOUTH 2 CARLISLE YOUTH 0
A tale of missed chances sees the Youth team go down to two late goals.

Team: Ball, Sloan, McGlen, Swinglehurst, Cahill, Symington, Towler (Calvert 75), Carr (Gill 75), Osmond, Sweet (Jones 60), Beck.

CARLISLE UTD 0 BRIGHTON H.A. 0
A classic game of two halves, Carlisle looking the likelier side in the first with Taiwo’s header being well saved on 14. Brighton took control of the second and had the chances to sneak it.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6, Simek 6, Chester 8 (=star man), Michalik 8 (=star man), McDaid 5.5, Norwood 7, Taiwo 7.5, Berrett 6.5, Zoko 5.5, Madine 6, Curran 7.

Sep 19th (Sun)

Newcastle’s young forward Nile Ranger is linked with a loan move to Carlisle once his team’s Carling Cup run comes to an end.

Sep 21st (Tue)

STOCKPORT CO. RESERVES 3 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 5 (FRIENDLY)
Goals from Marshall (2), Kavanagh, Price and trialist Amari Morgan-Smith sees the Blues complete a comfortable victory behind closed doors. The highly rated Morgan-Smith linked up with the club for a short trial following the liquidation of Ilkeston Town. Former trialist Yannick Salem (see 2/9) has by now pitched up at Stockport and scored two goals in the game.

Team: Gillespie, Kane, Murphy, Swinglehurst, Osmond, Kavanagh, Marshall, Hurst, Price, Robson, Morgan-Smith. Subs: Ball, Beck, Bowman, McGlen.

Sep 25th (Sat)

BOURNEMOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
A cagey first half followed by a luck-lustre second in part ruined by a comedian for a referee.

** Player Ratings: Collin 6, Simek 6, Chester 6, Michalik 7 (star man), McDaid 5, Norwood 5, Taiwo 6, Berrett 5, Zoko 5, Madine 5, Curran 6.

Sep 27th (Mon)

This time last year he was CUFC’s number one stopper. Today it’s announced that Lenny Pidgeley is parting company with Woking under unknown circumstances.

Sep 28th (Tue)

HARTLEPOOL 0 CARLISLE UTD 4
Beer Machine joins an illustrious pantheon of CUFC players with hat-tricks including Danny Graham, uumm..Brian Wake and err…Paul Gorman as the Cumbrians run riot against the hapless monkey hangers now managed by Mick Wadsworth. Michalik thundered in a 40-yarder to get the ball rolling before Madine took over with goals on 26, 36 and 71. After its failure against Bournemouth a few days earlier, the diamond made-way for 4-4-2 with impressive wing displays from Robson and Marshall.

* Player Ratings: * Player Ratings: Collin 8, Simek 8, Chester 8, Michalik 8, McDaid 7, Marshall 7, Taiwo 8, Berrett 8, Zoko 8, Robson 7, Madine 9 (star man). Subs: Murphy 7.

Amari Morgan-Smith signs a two-year deal with Luton and promptly scores in his first game for the club.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-08-17T19:42:40+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bc2e4ae81fc77d061c21a2168d3f0590-101.html#unique-entry-id-101http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bc2e4ae81fc77d061c21a2168d3f0590-101.html#unique-entry-id-101August 1st

CARLISLE UTD 1 HIBS 0 - FRIENDLY
Zoko and Simek again strongly impress with their performance against a side already into their competitive season. The winner comes 8 minutes from time when Harte steals ahead of his marker to head in a Berrett cross.

Collin, Simek, Chester, Harte, McDaid (Murphy 60), Thirlwell (Berrett 46), Taiwo, Zoko (Bridge-Wilkinson 67), Hurst (Curran 46), Robson, Madine (Price 60). Subs: Gillespie, Caig, Bowman, Cook, Kane, Kavanagh.


The ‘mystery man’ in the line up is revealed as Man Utd’s young centre-half James Chester (21). He joined up with the Cumbrians view to a loan deal having previously had a short spell with both Peterborough and Plymouth. His only senior action with MUFC was in the Carling Cup along with the kit man, a raffle-winning member of the supporters’ club and two of the Old Trafford tea ladies.

The four recent trialists; Long, Lopez, Cases and Hutton, are all informed that their futures lie away from Brunton Park. That’s unless we draw Stockport or Southend in one of the early rounds of the FA Cup …. they’ll just about take anyone at the moment.

August 3rd

James Chester’s loan deal is confirmed and he will initially stay to January 3rd with the potential for longer depending on all parties concerned.

August 5th

Another former left-back is on the move as Michael Liddle goes to Leyton Orient on loan from Sunderland.


Paul Murray will make his 23rd debut under a team either managed or coached by Mick Wadsworth as he links up with him at Hartlepool following his release from Shrewsbury.

Trialist M’Voto decides on a season long loan to Oldham.


It’s announced that Carlisle Utd will benefit to the tune of £335,000 under a new funding deal struck between the Premier League and the Football League. The new system of “solidarity payments”, which distributes some of the income generated by the top flight to clubs in the three Football League divisions, sees every Championship club receive £2.2 million, with League One sides getting £335,000 and League Two outfits benefiting by £225,000.

August 6th

Andy Cook rejoins Barrow on a month’s loan having scored 3 goals in 4 games before injury last season with the Bluebirds.
After turning down a permanent move to Carlisle, Adam Clayton goes on loan to L**ds United.

August 7th (Sat). IT’S THE NEW SEASON!!

CARLISLE UTD 2 BRENTFORD 0
A welcome reversal of fortunes from last season as just under 6,000 watch an accomplished performance from Abbott’s new look side featuring no less than six debuts. The woodwork saves Brentford twice in the first six minutes with Chester’s header looping against the bar followed by Curran poked shot hitting the post from 6 yards out. The pressure eventually tells when McDaid’s driven diagonal ball from the left wing evades everyone apart from the waiting Madine, who controls well before slotting home. A few half-hearted shouts for handball are rightly waved away by the referee.
Despite a potentially tricky combination of Nicky Forster and Gary Alexander up front, the Blues’ new defence dealt ably with the threat with Simek and Chester especially impressive. The game was sewn up when Curran was tripped in the box on the stroke of half-time and Harte confidently scored the spot kick.

Player Ratings: Collin 8, Simek 9, Chester 8.25, Harte 8, McDaid 7, Thirlwell 8.5, Berrett 8, Taiwo 8.5, Zoko 8 (Bridge-Wilkinson 75), Curran 9, Madine 8. Subs: Caig, Murphy, Hurst, Price, Robson, Kane.

Offiong is given half a game for Darlington in their friendly against Gretna following his first week back in full training. According to an attendee on the Darlington board “Offiong was poor to say the least, always wanted the ball but when he got it he rarely did anything effective.”

August 9th (Mon)

HENSINGHAM RESERVES 0 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 15 - FRIENDLY
No it wasn’t a one-point tennis match, yes, 15 goals. Try that one for size BBC teleprinter.

Danny Livesey is given the news that he won’t require an operation on his injury and that he should be back in full training in around 10 weeks time.

August 10th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 0 HUDDERSFIELD 1 – CARLING CUP 1st ROUND
In an enjoyably competitive game in which both teams lined up unchanged from the league game and Joe Garner and James Berrett lined up against their former clubs, the Terriers sneak an 89th winner to set up an away tie at Everton in the second round. Madine was again lively up front and only denied by the keeper from adding to his account. It took a cruel slip by Chester to allow Novak to steal in and set up an easy finish from Rhodes.

Player Ratings: Collin 6.8, Simek 8.6, Chester 8.2, Harte 8, McDaid 6.4, Thirlwell 6.8 (MBW 92), Berrett 7, Taiwo 7.2, Zoko 6.2 (Robson 82), Curran 6.8, Madine 7.4. Subs: Caig, Murphy, Hurst, Price, Kane.

August 13th (Fri)

Offiong completes a 1-month loan to Darlington in order to get some valuable pitch time.

August 14th (Sat)

PRESTON YOUTH 1 CARLISLE YOUTH 0
Preston show their first team how to win a game of football with 3 points against the Blues.

PLYMOUTH A. 1 CARLISLE UTD 1

What would have been an excellent point before kick-off feels like two lost with Plymouth equalising in the 4th minute of injury time. Harte had scored what had looked until then the winner on 68 with a header following MBW’s driven ball.

Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simeck 7, Chester 7, Harte 8.5, McDaid 6, Thirlwell 5, Taiwo 9, Berrett 7, Zoko 5, Madine 5, Curran 6, (Bridge Wilkinson 5). Subs: Caig, Murphy, Hurst, Bowman, Kane.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

August 19th (Thu)

17 year-old Ben McKenna is called up to the Northern Ireland U-18 squad for a friendly tournament in Poland having also represented them at U-17 level.

August 20th (Fri)

Lock up your nightclubs, Beer Machine has his contract extended to summer 2013.

August 21st (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 4 MK DONS 1
After a fairly even first half, the Cumbrians went top of the table after producing a rampant second-half display led by Zoko and Madine. The two in combination with the spirited Curran saw the team running rings around the hapless Dons.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.4, Simek 7, Chester 7.25, Harte 7.13, McDaid 6.75, Thirlwell 7.88, Taiwo 7.5, Berrett 7.13, Zoko 9 (star man), Madine 8.5, Curran 7.

August 27th (Fri)

COLCHESTER UTD 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
The Campaign for the Liberation of Underused New Grounds in England or ‘CLUNGE’ gains several new members amongst the London Branch after once more visiting the soulless home of Colchester Utd pressed against the edge of the A12 bypass.
In almost a repeat performance from Saturday, the team took a while to go through the gears and fell behind after falling asleep at a short corner. Two expected old boys were missing from the game (Williams and Hackney) however a watching Danny Graham and Tom Aldred must have been impressed with the second half from their seats in the away end. The only surprise was that it took so long for the equaliser to come.

Player Ratings (MK): Collin 6, Simek 7, Chester 6, Harte 6, McDaid 6, Thirlwell 9 (star man), Taiwo 6, Berrett 6, Zoko 7, Madine 7, Curran 7.

August 30th (Mon)

You wait ages for news on your former forwards and then all of a sudden it comes at once. Joe Anyinsah joins Charlton ‘not quite a small suburb of Bristol but who cares’ Athletic following a two week trial and Daryl Duffy signs a one-year deal with SPL side Hibs.

August 31st (Tue)

Two in and one out on transfer deadline day. Reading ask to speak to Ian Harte on Monday and 24 hours later his offski to the Madjeski. Just a little over a week earlier - and it’s still on the official CUFC site – there had been an interview with Harte talking about his contract extension and the exciting times ahead under “Defender on signing for United”. It turns out he hadn’t however as still under contract, a reasonably sized transfer fee is believed to have been prised away from Reading for the 33-year old’s services.

Replacing Harte at the centre of the defence will be human brick outhouse Lubomir Michalik on loan from Leeds until early January. The Slovakian international has gradually fallen out of favour with the dirty cheats Whites after joining the then cash-strapped Yorkshire club for 500 big ones in January 2008.

Completing the business for the day, Ben Marshall wings in once again from Stoke City with a loan deal to 3/1/11 as he looks to add to his 20 appearances and 3 goals with the Blues last season.

One player not coming back is Adam Clayton whose loan move to Leeds is firmed up as a permanent deal.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-07-03T21:10:20+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/cafffc8262054f3c33c39e46acfeaa86-100.html#unique-entry-id-100http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/cafffc8262054f3c33c39e46acfeaa86-100.html#unique-entry-id-100July 1st

USA! USA! right-back Frank Simek joins Carlisle on a 2-year deal following his release from Sheffield Wednesday. He made 119 appearances for the Owls after joining them from Arsenal in 2005, has 5 international caps to his name and was last called up to the USA! squad as recently as March for the 2-1 friendly defeat to Holland (did not play). As a couple of SWFC fans posted on the Board;

"Simek was a legend in the first 2 season with SWFC ... then he got his possible career threatening injury. It luckilly enough didnt end his career but he's not the same player as the one the bids of £2-3million came in for trust me. He's lost afew yards of pace and cant get up and down the pitch like he used to. Never the less, he is still highly thought of by the fans at SWFC and will be given a rousing reception on his return (if he's fit enough to play)."

"...you've got yourself a real gem of a player there! IF you can keep him fit! He was our best player for ages, then broke his ankle at Palace, and took a year to recover and just wasn't the same player! But if you can get him in regularly, and keep him fit, your onto a real coup. Never stops going forward, and pretty quick at getting back."

Travelling down to the likes of Bournemouth and Plymouth will probably seem like a short stroll around the corner to the American so for once, location doesn't appear to be a factor. There's the strategy Greg, time to start picking off the USA! World Cup squad and other fringe players one-by-one.

Watford's annual raid of the Carlisle talent locker has this year brought them Tom Aldred on a 2-year deal with an option for a 3rd. The Herts. team has made an offer of compensation at this time.

It's revealed that Scott Dobie will be watching crosses sail over his head next season with the news that Cleveland Taylor has taken up the offer to join him at St Johnstone.

July 2nd

Tony Hopper announces his retirement from football while Workington seek former legend Paul Murray as his direct replacement following his release from Shrewsbury at the end of last season.

Coventry are set for further discussions with Keiren Westwood in a bid to persuade him to sign a new contract at the Ricoh Arena as a clutch of Premier League clubs circle in anticipation.


* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

July 3rd

United’s planned training camp at Colchester is cancelled after it emerged their hotel in Essex had double-booked the Cumbrians with another club. What about a quick 5-a-side on the lawn to decide who gets custody of the booked rooms?
Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire is later revealed as the new venue for the training camp beginning on the 19th.

July 4th

Whitehaven will host the next fans’ forum at the Rugby League Football Club on the evening of Friday 16th July. Andrew Jenkins, Steve Pattison and John Nixon will be joined by manager Greg Abbott on the panel with BBC Radio Cumbria broadcasting live from the event in their Friday Night Sports Hour from 6pm onwards.

July 5th

The club take four players on trial:
Patrick Cregg (24), a midfielder from Hibs. He started his career with Man Utd before moving to Arsenal (3 apps.) and then Falkirk where he made over 100 appearances. He moved to Hibs last summer on a free.

Billy Gibson (19), a midfielder from Watford who had an impressive run out in the reserves last season.

Jake Simpson (19), a midfielder from Shrewsbury (Simmo’s boy who used to be in the CUFC Youth set up).

Francois Zoko (26) a forward from KV Oostende (Ivory Coast U-23 International Striker).

Gary Madine will take them all under his wing during their initial stay, he knows all about being on trial.

Not a good week for the Murrays. This time it’s Adam Murray being given a free from Oxford after the club enforces a policy to have their playing squad within near distance of the city. Murray, who lives in Derby, quickly secures a move to Luton.

July 6th

Expletive Alert! Livesey picks up a groin injury in training and will miss the next 6-8 weeks. At least we’ve got plenty of cover with Horwood, Aldred, Keogh and Raven. Oh.

Speaking of which, released defender David Raven joins Division 2 side Shrewsbury on a 1-year deal.

July 9th

KENDAL 1 CARLISLE UTD 4 - FRIENDLY
Goals from Madine, Curran, Zoko and Price secure a comfortable win for the Cumbrians in their first pre-season friendly.

1st half team: Collin, Simek, Swinglehurst, Harte, Thirlwell, Gibson, Hurst, Berrett, Bridge-Wilkinson, Madine, Curran.

2nd half team: Gillespie, Kane, McDaid, Murphy, Kavanagh, Simpson, Robson, Cregg, Taiwo, Price, Zoko.

Bench: Cook and Bowman

July 10th

Horwood’s come-and-get-me message in a bottle floats past Hartlepool harbour and washes up on the shores of Aberdeen where he commences a trial.

July 12th
It’s revealed that Adam Clayton has rejected a move to the Blues after the two clubs had agreed a fee.

July 13th

WORKINGTON 0 CARLISLE UTD 1 - FRIENDLY
Centre-half Nick Wood (19) ex- Sheffield Wednesday makes an immediate impact with a late goal to divide the teams having only joined the club that day on trial.

Zoko looked lively again with some nice touches and worked well with Madine. Simek and McDaid were fairly steady.

1st half team: Collin, Simek, Harte, Murphy, McDaid, Simpson, Cregg, Berrett, Gibson, Madine, Zoko.

2nd half team: Collin, Kane, Harte, Murphy, McDaid, Taiwo, Cregg, Bridge-Wilkinson, Gibson, Bowman, Zoko

Conference hero Ginger Pan-face aka Chris Lumsdon announces his retirement from the game due to a persistent back injury.

July 14th

Irish forward and alleged former target David Mooney is told he can leave Reading.

An undisclosed agreement is reached with Watford over the Tom Aldred fee.

Rumours suggest Westwood is at Celtic having a medical ahead of a £1.7m move. ‘Alternative’ keeper Lenny Pidgeley meanwhile is having trials with Shrewsbury.

July 15th

Gary Shaw, a striker aged 18 and Craig Walsh, a midfielder aged 19, join the Blues from Shamrock Rovers on an extended trial. Walsh will be known to those who watched Sky's 'Football's Next Star' where youngsters could win a contract at Inter under the tutelage of Jamie Redknapp. He finished third but was very, very good. A box to box midfielder with leadership skills who was really only let down by being homesick. He joined Shamrock Rovers this year and made his debut in a pre-season friendly game away to Longford Town scoring one goal in their 4-0 win.

Livesey is confirmed as being out for 12 weeks after seeing a specialist. He’s been ordered to have a complete rest for 3-4 weeks and surgery can’t be ruled out at this stage.

Jake Simpson is allowed to leave to pursue other options.

July 16th

The pre-season Fans’ Forum in Whitehaven goes ahead without any major incident kicking-off on the price of soup and so on.

A Carlisle Youth/Reserve XI secures a 1-1 draw in a hastily arranged game against Gillford Park after their friendly against Annan Athletic is called off the day before due to bad weather. Bowman scores Carlisle’s goal from the penalty spot.

Sunderland defender and human brick out-house Jean-Yves M'Voto links up at Friday’s training session with a view to playing in the Newcastle game the next day. French-born M'Voto, 21, was signed from Paris St Germaine for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2008 having made 41 appearances for his home-town club. He spent much of last season on-loan with Southend United where he played 17 games and scored one goal. "It's a chance for us to have a look at him and for him to have a look at us, then we can take it from there.” says the desperate incumbent CUFC manager.

Serial fruitcake Paul Huntingdon joins Yeovil on a 2-year deal.

July 17th

CARLISLE UTD 0 NEWCASTLE UTD 3 - FRIENDLY
A slightly harsh scoreline on the Cumbrians who, having employed a diamond formation again with an impressive MBW at its point, went on to create several good chances in the first half.
The Magpies came out of the traps strongly in the second half and scored three goals without reply.

Adam Collin (Tony Caig 71), Frankie Simek (Tony Kane 67), Jean-Yves M'Voto (Nick Wood 82), Ian Harte (Steven Swinglehurst 85), Peter Murphy (Billy Gibson 67), Paul Thirlwell (Patrick Cregg 46), Tom Taiwo (Kevan Hurst 46), James Berrett, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (Matty Robson 46), Chris Curran (Francois Zoko 46), Gary Madine (Jason Price 46).

Steve Harper (Tim Krul 46), Fabricio Coloccini (Steven Taylor 46, Liam Henderson 81), Jose Enrique (Shane Ferguson 46), Kevin Nolan (Joey Barton 46), Mike Williamson (James Perch 46), Peter Lovenkrands (Leon Best 46), Alan Smith (Wayne Routledge 46), Andy Carroll (Nile Ranger 46), Kazenga LuaLua (Haris Vuckic 46), Bradden Inman (Danny Guthrie 46), James Tavernier (Ryan Taylor 46).

Zoko will join the first-team squad at next week’s training camp in Leicester after impressing in the two weeks at the club. Cregg, Gibson and Wood are allowed to leave following their trials while Walsh and Shaw will join up again once the squad returns from camp. M’Voto’s people will hopefully be talking to the club on Monday.


Carlisle will be taking a look at 19-year old Clarets centre-half Kevin Long according to the official Burnley website. Irishman Long joined the Turf Moor side from Airtricity League of Ireland outfit Cork City during January of this year for a six-figure fee after Burnley had agreed a deal for the centre-half in late November 2009. Long, who can also play as a full-back, has been called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad but has yet to earn his first cap, while in his home country he has also captained Cork`s Football Association of Ireland Youth and Munster Cup winning teams. Long has yet to be involved in a Burnley matchday eighteen but he did play 68 minutes of a 3-1 pre-season friendly win for MK Dons at St Neots Town on the day of the story. Both Carlisle and MK Dons are having a look at him and it seems certain that Long will join one of the two on a loan deal.


Mixed fortunes in the Northern Masters, a 5-0 humbling at the hands of Sunderland was followed by a 5-1 thrashing of the Barcodes. Aspinall had earlier pulled out of the tournament with Riccardo Gabbiadini taking his place.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

July 20th

Former gaffer Mervyn Day is taken on as a scout by L**ds United.

July 21st

Northern hemisphere diving champion Joe ‘the U-Boat’ Garner is allowed to join Huddersfield on a six-month loan from Forest.

July 22nd

Ginger legend Chris Lumsdon is forced to announce his retirement from the professional game at the age of just 30 following a persistent back injury.

Another hero of the Conference old guard, Magno Vieira, joins Fleetwood and blink-and-you’ve-missed-him Harry Worley pens a 3-year deal with Oxford Utd.

July 23rd

DARLINGTON 0 CARLISLE UTD 3 - FRIENDLY

A comfortable win for Carlisle following their week-long training camp. Zoko is brought down in the first half to give Harte the opportunity to take the lead in a quiet first half. Bowman’s turn and curled shot around the keeper is the moment of the game and Cook applied the icing on the top with a header from a MBW cross.

Team: Collin; Kane, Long, Harte (Murphy 46), Thirlwell (Kavanagh 70); Berrett (Bridge-Wilkinson 46), Zoko (Bowman 61); Taiwo; Madine (Price 46), Curran (Cook 83). Subs Caig, Gillespie, Hurst, Robson.
Goals: Harte (17, pen), Bowman (72), Cook (90)

July 26th

The value of having a Spanish passport following their win in South Africa becomes apparent as three more trial players arrive at Brunton Park. Former Villareal attacking midfielders Jose Maria Cases (23) and Edgar Chumillas Lopez (20) fly in for a stay with the club along with former Spurs and Cheltenham Town midfielder David Hutton (20).

July 28th

FALKIRK 1 CARLISLE UTD 1 - FRIENDLY
With two back-to-back friendlies to play, the playing squad is appropriately divvied up to face the haggis munchers and smoggies. Hutton gets his first 20 minutes in a Carlisle shirt. Just over a 1,000 – not including the TV audience! - see Falkirk take the lead when they well known Scottish clan name ‘Higginbotham’ scores a toe-poke in off the post. Carlisle fight back and McKenna sets up Cook to score from 8 yards out with a header.

Team: Collin, Simek, Long, Harte, McDaid, Thirlwell, Taiwo (Hutton 69), Berrett, Bridge-Wilkinson (McKenna 69), Curran (Cook 69), Madine. Subs: Gillespie, Swinglehurst.

July 29th

Pointy diamond cum in-the-hole trialist Francoise Zoko agrees to a 1-year deal with the club. The Mr 15% for the U-23 Ivorian reportedly says that all he now needs is the Club’s bank account details, sort code and the maiden name of John Nixon’s mother in order to complete the necessary formalities……….

MIDDLESBOROUGH 0 CARLISLE UTD 1 - FRIENDLY
Not quite “Super Carlisle Crappy Boro” as their first team squad was on a jolly somewhere around Europe at the time. Boro’s not-quite-good-enough XI is left with the booby prize of 90 minutes against the rampant Cumbrians.
For the second game running, penalty magnet Zoko is brought down in the box. This time around he scores himself. Caig produced one or two good saves and Kane cleared off the line as a little pressure came towards the end.


Team: Caig (Gillespie 75), Kane, Kavanagh, Murphy, Robson, Hurst, Cases, Zoko, Lopez (Todd 86), Price (Cook 60), Bowman (Hutton 60). Subs: Swinglehurst, McKenna.

July 30th

The Blues are given a bye in the 1st round of the JPT.

July 31st

YORK CITY 0 CARLISLE UTD 1 – YOUTH TEAM FRIENDLY
There’s no sign of a ‘Loser’ on the Carlisle side as Beck slots home the winner against the Minstermen. Give yourself 10 points if you understand the reference in that one.

Hartlepool United confirm the capture of Evan Horwood (insert your own monkey joke here).

]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-06-06T11:03:42+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a90e31363d7471a8c5974e1ff52f964c-99.html#unique-entry-id-99http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a90e31363d7471a8c5974e1ff52f964c-99.html#unique-entry-id-99June 1st (Tue)

Jason Price sits expectedly next to his telephone as his release from Millwall is finally confirmed.

Still only 32 years-old, Matt Jansen agrees to join Chorley FC as player-coach. The current manager Garry Flitcroft is a former team mate of Matt’s at Blackburn.


Carlisle Utd is willing to allow right-back Tony Kane to leave the club on a free transfer according to rumours. These are later refuted by the club although they would allow other teams to make an approach should they be able to offer regular football and the PFA website continues to show him as available on a free. In likelihood, Kane’s agent may have sent around a “come and get me” plea and this has fired up the rumours.

Reports suggest that out-of-contract Richard Keogh is attracting interest from Bristol Rovers.

June 10th

28 year-old Doncaster forward Paul Heffernan turns down a deal to join the Blues in favour of a move to Sheffield Wednesday. Bristol City paid £150k for him in 2004 and Donny £125k a year later. Location, Location, Location…..

June 16th (Weds)

A major double blow as Keogh and Aldred confirm that they have turned down the offer of a new 2-year and 1-year contract respectively. With their futures away from the home of the Gods, CUFC will be seeking a fee for both players under the compensation scheme in place.

United are drawn at home to Lee Clark’s Huddersfield Town in the first round of next season's Carling Cup with the one-leg tie taking place week commencing August 9th.

Former Blue Simon Davey sensationally quits Conference new boys Darlington just ahead of the new season citing personal reasons. Davey took over for the last 10 games of the 2009/10 season and achieved 3 wins in that time. Davey is immediately linked with the vacancy at Hereford and given his Welsh roots, the move wouldn’t be too surprising.

June 17th (Thu)

The season’s fixtures are released with a repeat of last year’s opener against Brentford on August 7th. September 11th sees the glamour trip to Wednesday and New Year’s Day has the Blues entertaining Huddersfield. Dagenham & Redbridge will be hosting the final away trip of the season.

A double swoop for Carlisle’s forward ranks as hard-working non-scoring Scott Dobie almost direct replacement is unveiled as hard-working non-scoring Craig Curran from Tranmere Rovers on a 2-year deal. His 14 career goals have come from 97 appearances however, he gained some degree of notoriety in 2007 when at the age of just 17 he scored 3 times in the first 36 minutes to be the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in a Rovers' shirt and beating a record originally set in 1924 by the legendary Dixie Dean.


As expected, the second name is Jason Price with the former Donny and Millwall striker joining on a 1-year deal.

Former loan star Ben Marshall is heavily fined by magistrates for (cough) trying his write his name all the way down Lowther Street back in April.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

June 20th

It’s reported that loan-star Adam Clayton has had a meeting with Billy Davies at Forest’s City Ground as a return to the Blues appears to be ever more remote.

June 21st

The United squad for this year’s Northern Masters competition is confirmed as Tony Caig, Warren Aspinall, Rod Thomas, Chris Billy, Billy Barr, David Brightwell, Andy Preece and Darren Edmondson. The other teams appear to be taking the competition more seriously, Middlesborough for example have recruited football deity Graham Kavanagh.

June 22th

A trip to Falkirk is the reward to whatever’s left of the first team squad with a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 28th starting 7.30pm. Prices are £12 for adult and £6 for kids.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Brentford’s former Barnet striker Ben Strevens states that he’s turned down a number of offers including a move to Carlisle due to location.

Released left-back Evan Horwood is linked with a move to French Ligue 2 side Boulogne.

June 25th

Former PNE loan striker Kelvin Langmead moves from Shrewsbury to Peterborough....... times must be hard at London Road.

Rumours suggest Richard Ke-ogh-that’s-miles-over-the-bar’s house hunting expedition has sent him off in the direction of Coventry.

Watford tell Championship rivals Swansea City that Danny Graham is not for sale after the Welsh side made an enquiry about the striker’s availability. Carlisle are believed to have a 15% sell-on clause.

June 28th

Keogh's move to Coventry is confirmed. He joins on a 3-year deal and compensation will be decided either between the clubs or by tribunal.

June 29th

The away trip at Colchester is brought forward one day to Friday 27th August. Another major contribution to the 10,000 miles of travelling next season, Brentford away, is also brought forward by a day to Friday, 25th March. The reason given is the wall-to-wall coverage of Wales' predicted 4-0 hammering of England's prima donnas in the Euro qualifiers.

June 30th

Despite being linked with a move to the Blues in the past, forward Jack Speight joins Bradford from Mansfield for £25,000. Speight scored 17 goals in 32 games last season.


]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-05-13T20:18:53+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/68ddd9bcf2673ae03391788351c4c289-98.html#unique-entry-id-98http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/68ddd9bcf2673ae03391788351c4c289-98.html#unique-entry-id-98May 1st (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 1 WALSALL 1
The final home game of the season ends with a disappointing draw at home to Walsall after Price equalises a very early Walsall strike. We did play 4-4-2 though and the fans behaved after appeals that there should be no invasion of the pitch.
** Player Ratings: Collin 6, Keogh 7, Raven 7, Harte 7, Horwood 6, Taiwo 6, Marshall 7, , Thirlwell 6, Clayton 7, Madine 8 (star man), Price 7.

UNITED YOUTH 1 PRESTON YOUTH 0
The young Blues get an excellent home win thanks to a second-half Phil Towler header.

May 3rd (Mon)

Evan Horwood fears that he has played his last game at Brunton Park as he is out of contract at the end of the season and has still yet to be approached by Greg Abbott over a new deal.

May 4th (Tues)

CARLISLE RESERVES 3 OLDHAM RESERVES 0
Bridge-Wilkinson, Bowman and Cook are on target for the reserves as they end their final league season in second place. 19 year olds Billy Gibson and Michael Uwezu, to be released by Watford and Fulham respectively, make impressive trial appearances.
United line-up:- Pidgeley, Kane, Kavanagh, Swinglehurst, Lakeland (Osmond 85), Rothery, Bridge-Wilkinson, Burns, Gibson (Cook 79), Uwezu, Bowman.

UNITED YOUTH 4 WIGAN YOUTH 1
The young Blues end their season with an excellent home win thanks to goals from Dan Jones 2, Manny Richardson and David Symington.

May 6th (Thurs)

Four players (Rothery, Burns, Lakeland and Richardson) are all released by the Club as Abbott begins to trim his squad. The N&S reports that 3 Championship clubs (Watford, QPR and Norwich) are chasing Harte.

May 8th (Sat)

NORWICH 0 CARLISLE UNITED 2
The Blues celebrate St Jimmy’s day by surging into a 2 goal lead within 8 minutes. Madine finishes off a great move and then Price’s hair gets the second from a Harte free kick. That was enough to secure the points between Norwich celebrations. Delia’s wears a chef’s hat in solidarity with the 40 or so West Cumbrian Blues dressed as chefs in a packed Carrow Road. Mark Gillespie made history as Carlisle’s youngest ever keeper with his late entry into the fray.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.3, Keogh 7.6, Raven 7.6, Harte 8.3(star man), Horwood 7.6, Bridge-Wilkinson 6.8, Marshall 8, Thirlwell 8.2, Clayton 6.8, Madine 8.2, Price 7.5.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

May 9th (Sun)

The trophies are handed out at the end of season’s award ceremony at Brunton Park.
Most improved YTS: Steven Swinglehurst
YTS player of the year: Ryan Bowman
London Branch player of the year: Richard Keogh
BBC Radio Cumbria Derek Lacey Memorial Award: Tom Aldred
Goals of the season: 3rd = Kavanagh away at Leeds, 2nd = Robson away at Walsall, 1st = Robson at home to Bradford City.
Away supporters player of the year: Adam Clayton
Wembley Men of the Match: Adam Collin and Adam Clayton
Fans player of the year: Matty Robson
Players player of the year: Richard Keogh

May 10th (Mon)

KKKAAAAAAAPPOOWWWWWWW!!!!
The curse of the London Branch claw strikes once again. Ongoing contract talks with Keogh reveal that he (or rather his agent) sees his future away from Brunton Park. It appears clear that LB’s Number 1 has been touted around with the likes of Hibs rumoured to be at the front of the queue. Even worse for the club, unlike a tribunal-led deal to an English club, such a move wouldn’t be subject to the same restriction due to a loophole in the regulations about cross-border transfers.

The last time the Tories overthrew a Labour government there were riots in the St.Paul’s area of Bristol so it’s a double blow when Anyinsah reveals that he’s turned down an offer to stay in favour of a club that will allow him to spend more time near the city. Mass urbanisation and motorways versus the mountains and valleys of Cumbria. Eh?


Meanwhile it’s game over for a number of players from the first team squad as four more are given the order of the boot. The best days of the Dobster are no doubt behind him but he was still an experienced head up front. Pidgeley seems to have paid for a couple of erratic performances and headline errors at the wrong time although he looked a reasonable stopper. The gap as no.2 to Collin seems likely to be filled for now with Tony Caig in discussions with a move into a player-coach role at the club on a full-time basis. Even though he can do a job at right-back and centre-half and more importantly, Keogh’s Carlisle future hangs by a thread, Raven is off too. The most surprising is probably Evan Horwood’s release given the 41 games he played in the season during which he received several plaudits.

Andy Cook and Tom Aldred are offered one-year contracts and Livesey, a two-year deal.

KAAAAAABOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!

There’s a shake up in the backroom for next season with Kav moving into the assistant manager post. Dennis Booth takes on the new role as “Head of Football Affairs”, a position that sounds more suited to Terry Thomas in an Ealing-style comedy. In a club quote, "Dennis will help us to oversee all of the football areas within the club. He will watch the football that is played at all levels, from the first team through to the Youth team and the Centre of Excellence, and he will offer advice on everything that he sees. He will assist with the scouting network that we have, and he will be out there looking at targets in terms of player recruitment. He will also watch and produce match reports on our opponents in conjunction with the scouts who are already out there.” Unlike initial rumours, 48 year-old Kavanagh will retain his playing registration for next season.

KAAAWWWHHHHAAAAAAMMMMMMYYYYY!!!!
CUFC decide to pull out of the Reserve league from next season having finished a narrow 2nd. The theory is that the Reserves will instead play the occasional friendly against a mixture of Scottish and higher level teams from the North East and pick up the odd player along the way……watch this space for Workington, Barrow and a County Select XI kicking MBW 12 feet into the air on a pitch soon.

May 11th (Tue)

After initially indicating his departure, Keogh announces that he wants to mull things over while on holiday and will come back with a response in the next three weeks. Apparently he left Abbott’s office in tears. He must have heard about Offiong coming back.

May 12th (Wed)

Pre-season starts to take shape with a game against the Bar Codes at Brunton Park on July 17th and then the Conference new boys, Safecrackers FC, at the Northern Echo stadium on July 23rd. Abbott will be head-to-head against old boy Simon Davey in the latter fixture. Who needs tours to Malaysia and China, in between what’s left of the first team squad will be treated to a five-day training camp down in Colchester. Several eager local estate agents enquire if they can send a representative down to Carlisle’s base during the week.

Abbott admits that he may improve Aldred’s initial one-year deal to two years and it looks increasingly likely that Danny Livesey will continue to terrorise opposition centre-forwards and passing coaches in equal measure; arguably both the tracksuit type and any large passenger vehicle in the vicinity of the ground, for a further two years at Brunton Park.

Seaton Carew-based Horwood issues a “come and get me” plea to Hartlepool United to fulfil his dreams of playing for his hometown club.

Abbott is fined £1,400 and banned from driving for 6 months after being caught doing 99.8mph near Penrith last December. If you were driving Offiong down to Rotherham for the rumoured on-off loan move, wouldn’t you?

May 13th (Thu)

Ex-stopper Williams is Colchester’s official player of the year after 17 clean sheets for the season.

Anyinsah comes out in the press with his reasons for seeking a move and revealing that 18 months ago, he had the chance of joining Swindon (oh no, not them again) but instead went back to Carlisle following his first loan spell at the club under Abbott. After five years up north, he now wants to settle nearer his family home. Colchester it is then.

May 15th (Sat)

The unfortunate Offiong returns to the UK for a scan on the injured hip sustained during his first game in Sweden. Meanwhile Harte-horse is linked with a move back to Leeds. Good grief.

May 17th (Mon)

Portsmouth are rumoured to head a line Championship clubs eyeing up under contract pig-bladder catcher Adam Collin for next season. Flap, flap, oink, oink.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no (sensible) messageboard ratings

May 18th (Tue)

The scan on Offiong’s thigh-knack reveals a ruptured thigh tendon that although not requiring surgery, will keep him out of action until late September at the earliest.

Out of contract Barrow midfielder Andy Bond (24) is confirmed as a target on Abbott’s spin-the-player dartboard via the medium of BBCRC Sport. Barrow boss Dave Bayliss states that Andy is thinking over a move to Carlisle United and although he has also received offers from other League One clubs, he’s recommending a move to Brunton Park.

May 19th (Wed)

Games at Kendal and Workington are added to the list of pre-season friendlies.

May 20th (Thu)

After a successful season where he fired in 23 goals, transfer target Marc Richards turns down the chance to join Carlisle United on a two-year deal in favour of signing a new contract at present club Port Vale on lower wages than the Blues had tabled. Richards is quoted by the N&S as saying: “Carlisle’s offer was a temptation because every player wants to play higher. Their offer was more lucrative, but it was more to do with where I was going to be happiest playing. I’ve mulled it over for the past week, but I want to stay at Vale because I firmly believe that if the gaffer adds a couple of faces we will challenge for promotion next season.”
Geography is understood to have been a factor in Richards’ decision, a familiar obstacle to Abbott and his predecessors in the Brunton Park hot-seat during their efforts in the transfer market.

There are various rumours that Scunny are coming in for Adam Clayton with City looking to offer him football at the CCC level.

May 21st (Fri)

Skipper Danny Livesey puts pen to paper as expected on his new 2-year deal. At 25, his best years are potentially still ahead of him.

May 24th (Mon)

It’s confirmed that Carlisle will host Hibs in a friendly at 2pm, Sunday 1st August.

May 25th (Tue)

Sky Sports report that Carlisle are amongst three clubs, St Johnstone and Dundee being the other two, chasing Kilmarnock’s out-of-contract defender Simon Ford. Ford has been at Killie for 5 years having previously played for Grimsby and has 3 caps to his name on behalf of Jamaica.

May 26th (Wed)

Ivor Powell (93) announces his retirement from the game after 37 years of coaching at the University of Bath despite still being a shade faster than Ian Harte over 30 yards. The former Blues manager led Carlisle to their first promotion in 1961/2 and was awarded an MBE in 2008.

May 27th (Thu)

Recently released Donny left-back Sean McDaid joins Carlisle on a 12-month deal with the option of a further 12-month contract should he make 30 starts for us next season. He joined Doncaster Rovers in 2005 after arriving from the Leeds United Training Academy where he trained under Abbott. He can play both in defence and in midfield if needed and has represented Scotland in every level up to under-19. He was named the Player's Player of the Year and the Doncaster Rovers Young Player of the Year in 2005/6 and played a key part of the promotion winning 2007-08 squad. The last two years have been a long road to recovery following a tackle which dislocated his knee.

May 31st (Mon)

It’s goodbye Dagenham & Redbridge and Yeovil, hello Ibrox and Parkhead as the Dobster agrees a one-year deal for next season with St. Johnstone following his recent release.

After living on generous handouts from Carlisle for the last two seasons, former manager John Ward decides it’s time to do something useful with his life as he takes over the reigns at Colchester following a short spell as their assistant manager.


]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-04-18T19:30:44+01:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a806937689a89e0380ce51af347387f6-97.html#unique-entry-id-97http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a806937689a89e0380ce51af347387f6-97.html#unique-entry-id-97April 2nd (Fri)

CARLISLE UNITED 3 BRISTOL ROVERS 1

Murph pays the price for his poor show at Wembley making way for Tom Aldred’s full debut. It is soon obvious that the players that did retain their places in the team are keen to put things right as they completely dominate a Rovers side who still retained slim hopes of making the play-offs. Despite being caught napping by allowing an equaliser with Rovers’ only shot on target within a minute of Harte’s penalty opener, Price, and Harte again with a second penalty, complete a comfortable victory and keep the match sponsors happy. Tom Aldred has a dream full debut and was still grinning like a Cheshire cat when he received the Man-of-the-Match award from birthday boy Ian Jardine in Foxys afterwards.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.7, Keogh 7.6, Aldred 9.1(star man), Harte 7, Horwood 7.4, Taiwo 8.1, Marshall 7, Clayton 8.7, Thirlwell 6.4, Robson 5.6, Dobie 7.25, Price 7.9.

Pre-match, whilst most of the sponsors were taking turns to do their Offiong impressions (sitting on the bench during the ‘stadium’ tour), the 250th Hit the Bar was successfully launched in the Club shop.

MORECAMBE YOUTH 2 UNITED YOUTH 1
A very young Carlisle youth side fall to their seventh defeat in eight games.

April 5th (Mon)

CHARLTON 1 CARLISLE UNITED 0

A mainly rearguard action sees United go down to a powerful, back post header by Sam Sodje just before half time. Reminiscent of the second goal conceded in our last away match v Southend, Collin fails to come for it but Sodje was also unmarked. United threatened rarely, the closest being an offside Price goal and a reasonable penalty shout from the same player.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6, Kane 5.25, Keogh 6.5, Aldred 6.75, Horwood 6.25, Taiwo 6.75, Marshall 6, Clayton 7(star man), Thirlwell 6, Dobie 5.25, Price 5.5.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

April 6th (Tues)

The News & Star reports on the 250th edition of Hit the Bar including recognition of Ian Jardine’s hard work and a few quotes from Simon Clarkson.

April 7th (Wed)

CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0 MORECAMBE RESERVES 0
Another bore draw for the reserves, the main talking point being Kav playing ninety minutes at centre half alongside David Raven.
Team: Mark Gillespie, Simon Lakeland, Michael Burns, David Raven, Steven Swinglehurst, Graham Kavanagh, Gavin Rothery, Ben McKenna, Gary Madine, Ryan Bowman (Phil Towler 70), Manny Richardson.


Ryan Bowman limped out of the reserve clash with Morecambe suffering with a bruised achilles because of new boots he wore to celebrate his call up to first team duty.

April 10th (Sat)

BRIGHTON 1 CARLISLE UNITED 2

According to Manish Bhasin on the Football League Show, United scored from their only two shots on target (the BBC’s own stats. show that there were 3). Nevertheless, it was our first win in the League away from home on a Saturday for over a year thanks to a superb curled free kick from Ian Harte and an opportunistic header from Gary Madine. Kav took on the duties of touchline coaching as Abbott was confined to the stands due to illness. Do we really want Brighton to leave the Withdean after 3 wins in 4 visits? Of course we do.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 6, Aldred 7, Harte 8(star man), Horwood 6, Taiwo 7, Marshall 6, Clayton 6, Thirlwell 5, Dobie 5, Price 7, Madine 7. (acknowledgment to Lakewalker214 from the messageboard for the ratings)


WREXHAM YOUTH 0 UNITED YOUTH 2
Youngsters Dan Jones and Mark Beck get the goals as Carlisle pick up a good three points in North Wales. It leaves the youngsters 10th out of 17 in the Puma Youth Alliance

Richard Offhesgone grabs a brace as his new Swedish club Östersunds FK beat Umedalens IF 7 – 1 in the Svenska Cupen. It appears that Umedalens IF play at about the same level as Cleator Moor Celtic.

April 12th (Mon)

Gary Madine (Beer Machine) is charged with assault so he will now appear in court after an allegation of an attack in the Beehive. Andy Hall, media officer, is quoted as saying that there is also “an internal disciplinary process in place”.

April 13th (Tues)

UNITED YOUTH 0 ACCRINGTON YOUTH 1
Despite a lot of pressure a very young youth team fail to find the net and lose out to a single goal.

The News & Star report that 150 officers have been drafted in to stop trouble flaring at the match v Leeds. Mounted police, motorcycles and dogs will patrol because of claims that Leeds players were attacked after the pitch invasion following the penalty shoot-out win in the JPT.

Andrew Jenkins used his programme notes to have a go at Leeds’ “hierarchy” (Bates) for the “childish, uncalled-for and unjustified criticism” he levelled at the club.

Two Leeds fans were arrested and three were given on-the-spot fines.

CARLISLE UNITED 1 LEEDS UNITED 3
No complaints about laser pens this time as Leeds complete a comfortable victory against an injury-hit Carlisle United. It is clear that Leeds had a greater appetite for the points and, with the help of some one-eyed refereeing from the now recovered Mark Halsey, were able to cruise to victory with two strikes in the first 5 minutes of the second half in reply to Keogh’s headed equaliser shortly before half time. Once again Collin could be faulted for the first Leeds goal when he failed to hold a Snodgrass freekick.

** Player Ratings: Collin 5, Keogh 8(star man), Aldred 6, Harte 6, Horwood 6, Taiwo 6, Marshall 7, Clayton 6, Thirlwell 6, Dobie 6, Madine 7, Raven 6, Bridge-Wilkinson 6.

April 15th (Thurs)

John Nixon defends the decision to increase the price of season tickets for next season, insisting that the rising costs of running the club made it “unavoidable”.


* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

April 17th (Sat)

CARLISLE UNITED 1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 2
Another disappointing result and display, this time incurring the wrath of some supporters who booed as the players trooped off. Makes you wonder what they expect with an injury list as long as your arm, 57 games played this season (against Oldham’s 45) and nothing to play for ― 4-4-2 no doubt.

** Player Ratings: Collin 6, Keogh 6, Raven 6, Harte 6, Horwood 6, Taiwo 6, Marshall 6, Clayton 6, Thirlwell 5, Madine 6 (star man), Bridge-Wilkinson 5, Dobie 6.

April 19th (Mon)

Greg Abbott calls for respect from the fans during his press conference in which he spoke for fully 10 minutes without drawing breath in an attempt to explain his team selections in light of the discontent shown by some fans after the capitulation to Oldham.

PRESTON RESERVES 1 UNITED RESERVES 0
Carlisle's title hopes teeter on the brink after a narrow defeat against North End
United line-up: Pidgeley, Lakeland, Osmond, Richardson (Towler 75), Swinglehurst, Kane, Rothery, Burns, Cook, Bowman, McKenna.

April 21st (Wed)

Kieran Westwood is poised to sign a new deal with Coventry City despite having 1 year left on his contract. He says “I love it here. It feels like home so I don't see why I should have to move on”, thus dashing our hopes of a windfall for Greg to spend on team strengthening this summer.

STOCKPORT YOUTH 0 UNITED YOUTH 1
The young Blues pick up three points at County on the back of an excellent defensive performance

April 23rd (Fri)

Greg Abbott, having been told by the Board what his playing budget will be next season, indicates that he will have to use his resources to build a smaller but more competitive squad which he will then bolster with high calibre loan signings. Oh dear!

April 24th (Sat)

SOUTHAMPTON 3 CARLISLE UNITED 2
It looked as though we may be about to suffer as bad a defeat as at Wembley when the Saints took a 3-1 lead with about half an hour left. Madine scrambled a late consolation, to add to Harte’s fantastic strike on the stroke of half-time, to make the score respectable. Great support from the 400 Blues fans keeps spirits high.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Keogh 7, Livesey 7.5, Harte 7, Horwood 6.5, Taiwo 7.5, Marshall 8 (star man), , Thirlwell 7, Bridge-Wilkinson 7.5, Madine 7.5, Dobie 7.

April 26th (Mon)

Ian Harte capped his prolific season as a goal scorer by being named in League One’s team of the year by his fellow professionals.

April 29th (Thurs)

Danny Livesey’s season ends prematurely after the centre-half suffered a new injury in training.

April 30th (Fri)

Ex manager Paul Simpson finds himself out of work again following his dismissal by Shrewsbury, whose Board are obviously dissatisfied with the lack of progress despite the funds at his disposal.]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-03-23T21:48:36+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/28bac75f7d9939918e08a1fb913255a0-96.html#unique-entry-id-96http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/28bac75f7d9939918e08a1fb913255a0-96.html#unique-entry-id-96Mar 2nd (Tue)

After a promising few weeks, Ben Marshall’s one-month loan is extended until the end of the season. He will provide additional cover for Hurst, who is apparently nursing a long-term groin problem.

Mar 4th (Thu)

Carlisle beat Sunderland 1-0 in a behind closed doors friendly.

Mar 5th (Fri)

It’s confirmed that Carlisle United’s directors and manager Greg Abbott will have showdown talks with Madine over his future at Brunton Park following his arrest for assault in the Beehive last Friday. Perhaps he was just showing a mate how Livesey obtained his latest shiner? He is presently back at BP recovering from an ankle injury and is due to resume his loan stint with Chesterfield when fit again. Madine is under contract with the Cumbrians until the summer of 2011.

Mar 6th (Sat)

WYCOMBE W 0 CARLISLE UTD 0
They say that not every goal-less draw is dull and there has been many a vibrant, exciting game in which Carlisle has fully participated. This unfortunately was not one of them.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7 (star man), Keogh 5, Livesey 6, Harte 6, Horwood 4, Hurst 6, Clayton 6, Taiwo Robson 5, Dobie 5, Duffy 4. Subs: Marshall, 6, Thirlwell 5

Mar 8th (Mon)

Former flying winger Simon Hackney leaves Colchester to join Morecambe on loan. Hackney has only made 13 appearances for the Us this season and is out of favour with route one maestro, Adrian Boothroyd (or “The Special Route One” as he should be called)
.

Rumours go around that Offiong trained with Rotherham with a view to a loan move but having seen him they decided to send him back up the M6.

Mar 9th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 MILLWALL 3
Dobie picked up a groin injury after 5 minutes and with cobwebs in an empty cupboard when it came to striking options, the writing was on the wall faster than you can say “The Prodigy”.

Player Ratings: Collin 3.67, Keogh 5.83, Livesey 6.50 (star man), Harte 4.50, Horwood 5.50, Hurst 4.33, Clayton 6.00, Kavanagh 4.83, Taiwo 5.83, Robson 5.50, Dobie 4.67.

Mar 10th (Wed)

Carlisle’s rapidly depleting forward line is bolstered by the arrival of Jason Price’s unmistakable dreadlocked Afro until the end of the season. Now 32, he has played for several clubs including Swansea, Brentford, Tranmere, Hull and Doncaster, Millwall and most recently on a 7-game loan spell, Oldham.


ROCHDALE YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0
Goals on 21 and 73 give high-flying Rochdale a deserved victory over a Carlisle side shorn of several players either out on loan or injured.

Mar 11th (Thu)

Rumours appear about a Man City Reserve/Youth striker joining the Cumbrians on loan to help ease the striker crisis. Gary Madine returns from his unsuccessful one-month loan spell with Chesterfield.
Wembley ticket update: Carlisle’s creep up to 19,900 while Southampton sold out their entire 44,000 allocation as of yesterday.

Mar 12th (Fri)

Dobie’s 80 year-old hips will keep him out of the Colchester and Yeovil games. Duffy’s hamstring tear will mean he should return some time just after Wembley and Anyinsah has started his rehab programme following a hernia operation.

Mar 13th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 2 TRANMERE YOUTH 1
Carlisle came out on top in a battle between two young teams. A Richardson cross was turned into the net by a Tranmere defender to put the Blues 1-0 up and shortly afterwards, Swinglehurst met Osmond’s corner to make it 2-0. Rovers pulled one back on 78 to leave a nervous finish but Carlisle managed to hang on until the end.

CARLISLE UTD 2 COLCHESTER UTD 1
In a debut to remember, Price inspires the Blues to come back from being 1-0 down and reduced to 10 men. The first is a fine lay off for Marshall to finish crisply into the corner and the second sees him beat old boy Williams at the near post with a flick from Keogh’s fine run down the right.
Although there’s some confusion on the matter, Taiwo will miss the next two league games (Yeovil and Southend) and be available for Wembley assuming both of them are played. It would have normally been a 1-match ban but he receives extra duty in the stands due to the sending off earlier in the season. Expect Thirlwell to have the games of his life over the next 7-days……

Player Ratings: Collin 6.50, Keogh 8.00, Livesey 7.25, Harte 6.75, Horwood 7.00, Hurst 6.63, Taiwo 5.75, Kavanagh 6.50, Clayton 7.00, Robson 7.25, Price 8.75 (star man). Sub: Marshall 8.00

Mar 16th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 YEOVIL TOWN 0
Carlisle’s march towards safety continues thanks to a fine 66th minute volley from Clayton following the Yeovil keeper’s punch out from a BMW corner. Madine came on to help create it and was reasonably involved. Livesey and Marshall went off with knocks to leave an anxious few days ahead of the W-word.

Team: Collin, Keogh, Livesey, Harte, Horwood, Clayton, Thirlwell, Kavanagh, Robson, Price, Marshall. Subs: Madine, BMW, Murphy. Player ratings to follow.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

Mar 17th (Wed)

Three companies (Bank of Scotland, Reeds Printers and Nortech Atlas) assist the club and fans with the sponsorship of 20,000 blue balloons for fans on the official travel coaches.

TRANMERE RESERVES 0 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 1
Richardson’s goal is enough to continue Carlisle reign at the top of the Reserve league. The morning’s joint leaders Rochdale go down 8-1 against a strong Blackpool side.

Team: Gillespie, Wood, Lakeland, Aldred, Swinglehurst, McKenna (Towler 60), Blake, Davison, Tinnion, Rothery, Richardson.

Mar 19th (Fri)

Although Carlisle had been previously linked in the race for free scoring Lancaster City striker Jordan Connerton, in the end Crewe Alexandra entice him with a 2 ½-year deal. The package is worth £30,000 including appearances and he has been loaned back immediately. The striker has scored 26 goals in 28 appearances in the league and a further 9 from 17 in cup matches.

Mar 20th (Sat)

Having said the previous week that any supporter carrying or wearing unofficial Wembley merchandise or counterfeit goods with the trademark of the competition’s sponsor – Johnstone’s Paint – will be barred from the stadium on the day of the final on March 28, the Club were forced to back down following clarification from Trading Standards on the matter.


WALSALL YOUTH 5 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
Even a brace from Richardson and one from Osmond isn’t enough to bring the spoils back to Cumbria. The game was never going to be a dull one. Remarkably in 40 games between them, every match involving the two clubs has resulted in a positive outcome (Walsall 13-0-9, Carlisle 9-0-10).

SOUTHEND UTD 2 CARLISLE UTD 2
A fair result in the end although disappointing given the tremendous start. Horwood’s searching crosses set up headed goals for Dobie (6) and Marshall (13). With the Southend defence at 6’s and 7’s, Horwood and Marshall have chances to make it 3. The hosts hit back with two quick goals as Carlisle sit back. Good chances come and go for both teams and the sending off of home skipper Barrett doesn’t make a huge difference to the course of the game.

** Player Ratings: Collin 6, Keogh 8 (star man), Murphy 6, Harte 6, Horwood 7, Marshall 7, Clayton 7, Thirlwell 7, Robson 7, Dobie 7, Price 6.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

Mar 24th (Weds)

WREXHAM RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 2
An own goal and a fine finish from Burns on his return from a loan spell at Stafford sees Carlisle fight back from 0-2 down at half-time to take a draw and maintain their advantage at the top of the table.

Team: Gillespie, Wood, Lakeland, Blake, Aldred (Davison 73), Cleary (Towler 68), Richardson (McKenna 83), Burns, Offiong, Rothery, Tinnion

Mar 25th (Thu)

Former England under 19 Jamie Chandler, a midfielder, has arrived on trial after being told he won't get another contract at his current club, Sunderland. He has been on loan to Darlington this season making 14 appearances (0 goals, 5 yellow cards and 1 red card).

Mar 26th (Fri)

In their Friday training session down in the Watford area, Madine seemingly receives a dose of his own medicine as he limps away from a game of 5-a-side. As a result, 18 year-old Ryan Bowman is called back from his loan spell at Workington and whisked down to London to act as cover. Offiong isn’t in the squad or considered.

Mar 27th (Sat)

Madine is passed fit. Anyinsah trains well and should play a part. Livesey and Hurst are definitely out with the injuries and the three, genuine remaining strikers on our books (Marshall, Duffy and Price) are all nursing knocks or cup-tied.

Mar 28th (Sun)

CARLISLE UNITED 1 SOUTHAMPTON 4 - JPT FINAL AT WEMBLEY
It looked like men against boys at times as a big, well-drilled Saints side in the end, deservedly won in front of the best part of 73,500 fans as they capitalised on a number of disastrous errors amongst Carlisle’s make-shift defence. Class told in the end despite Clayton’s hard running in midfield and the efforts of a Carlisle XI that if not mistaken, didn’t cost a single penny in transfer fees between them – Carlisle’s chief tormentor on the day was a seven-figure fee alone.

Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 7, Murphy 3, Harte 4, Horwood 4, MBW 5, Clayton 7.5 (star man), Kavanagh 4, Thirlwell 4, Robson 5, Dobie 5. Subs: Madine 6, Taiwo 6, Anyinsah 5.

Mar 30th (Tue)

Free-scoring Carlisle forward Richard Notaroundforlong joins Swedish side Ostersunds FK on a 15-week loan deal that will keep him with the League Norretan Division One outfit until 18 July 2010. Gregg states: "We are in a situation where we want Richard to be playing regularly so that he can build up his confidence and work towards becoming the player that we know he can be. This is an ideal opportunity for him to play at a very good level and to get some valuable competitive pitch time under his belt ahead of next season. Hopefully he will come back refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to go again."

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

Mar 31st (Wed)

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 0 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0
David Raven makes his long-awaited return from injury as the reserves grind out another point in their quest for the title.

Team: Lenny Pidgeley, Tony Kane (Phil Towler 75), Simon Lakeland, Steven Swinglehurst, David Raven (Lance McGlen 46), Ben McKenna, Michael Burns, Gavin Rothery, Ryan Bowman (Dan Jones 78), Manny Richardson, Matt Osmond.


Only two from six make it through this year from the Youth team ranks as striker Ryan Bowman and Mark Gillespie are offered one-year professional contracts.



]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-02-08T20:15:55+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bdf85c995e8210c94197eb77bba4fe0c-95.html#unique-entry-id-95http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/bdf85c995e8210c94197eb77bba4fe0c-95.html#unique-entry-id-95Feb 1st (Mon)

Former Hull City forward Darryl Duffy moves on a 3-month loan to Carlisle in a slightly surprising deal given that was in the first team plans of his present team, Bristol Rovers. The Scotland B international who fairly recently commanded a transfer fee of £200,000, is the second capture of the day following 18 year-old winger Ben Marshall joining for 1-month from Stoke City. Having started his career at Crewe and even playing against the Blues in their winning side in last season’s FA Youth Cup tie, Stoke secured his services over the summer before loaning him out to Northampton and Cheltenham to gain additional league experience. In the words of Steve Holland the academy manager at Stoke when he signed for them in the summer "he can score and make goals and is comparable to a Liam Lawrence type in the current squad."
It’s understood that an undisclosed third player was possibly close to joining but the deal didn’t go through before the deadline. Jason Price, who joined Oldham from Millwall, was amongst those rumoured to be in that category.

Having fallen out of favour at high-flying Rochdale, former winger Adam Rundle joins Chesterfield.

“IT COULDN’T HAPPEN TO A NICER GUY” (PART ONE)
Part pantomime villain, part pantomime defender, Paul Huntington has his contract cancelled by Leeds and joins Stockport County.

Feb 2nd (Tue)

COLCHESTER 2 CARLISLE UTD 1
On a pitch more suited to growing turnips, it’s a rare defeat under the lights after another lead is squandered with the curse of Odejayi striking in injury time. Things had started well with former keeper Williams taking the blame for dithering on his line on a cross from Kavanagh and allowing Harte’s soft header to beat his weak attempt to palm it wide. Collin showed how to do it at the other end with a good save from Gillespie and debutant Duffy appeared to be assaulted by Williams on 42 during a 1-in-1 that looked a great shout for a penalty. That was to prove costly when Platt powered in O’Toole’s fine cross on 61 and then the man who ended our original league status striking once again.

** Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 7, Livesey 7, Harte 8 (star man), Horwood 7, Hurst 6, Kavanagh 6, Thirlwell 6, Clayton 7, Robson 6, Duffy 7. Subs: Offiong and Marshall.

Feb 5th (Fri)

Things remain uncertain regarding Anyinsah’s suspected lower stomach / groin problem after having an injection on the Thursday to try and see him through until the end of the season campaign. He’s now been cleared to return to training and may take some part in the Leeds JPT match with Duffy and Marshall both unavailable. If the injury doesn’t settle down, Joe will need an operation that will probably keep him out for the rest of the season.
Gary Madine returns to training following a stomach bug that kept him out of the Colchester game.

Feb 6th (Sat)

HUDDERSFIELD 1 CARLISLE UTD 1
The Blues put in an impressive performance at the high flying Terriers. Livesey hit the angle of post and bar with a header after only 6 minutes. A close offside call denied Robson on 28 as Carlisle had a strong first half. They were to rue their missed chances when Pilkington scored early into the second half with a header as the home side pressed strongly. The double introduction of Dobie and Marshall on the hour was soon to pay dividends with first Dobie only being denied by a superb save and then Robson linking with Marshall to then finish confidently 7 minutes from time. Collin completed another good performance with some important saves at the end to preserve the deserved point.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.31, Keogh 7.25, Livesey 6.50, Harte 7.38, Horwood 7.19, Hurst 5.13, Kavanagh 5.13, Thirlwell 5.88, Clayton 6.75, Robson 7.56, Duffy 7.63 (star man). Subs: Murphy 5.25, Dobie 7.00, Marshall 7.06.

7,261 turn up to Mansfield’s “pay what you want” game only to see their party spoiled by a brace from Brian Wake; making an immediate impact for Gateshead. Could he do a job for us?

Feb 8th (Mon)

Good news on the injury front as Anyinsah returns to full training and the twinge that kept Harte out of the 2nd half of Saturday’s game clears up to give him every chance of making the Leeds game.

Feb 9th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 2 LEEDS UTD 3 - JPT NORTHERN FINAL SECOND LEG
(4-4 on aggregate CARLISLE won 6-5 after penalties)
Joy, despair, elation, torment and grief, anger, anguish and desolation, utter jubilation. Those were the evening’s range of emotions for every Carlisle supporter as the team finally fulfilled their date with new Wembley with a heart-stopping game in front of the Sky TV cameras. Dobie’s strong drive set up Clayton to coolly finish to make it 3-1 on aggregate and despite an early equaliser at the start of the second half, Hurst’s sublime finish from his pick-pocketing of Michalik had left the Blues 4-2 up with about 10 minutes left on the clock. Leeds weren’t going to lie down however and as tired legs took their toll, two late goals left it all up to the lottery of the penalty spot. Despite Keogh’s effort now being somewhere in geo-stationary orbit, Collin produced two outstanding saves low to his right to send most of the 9,500 crowd into raptures of delirium.

Player Ratings: Collin 8, Keogh 6, Livesey 8, Harte 6, Horwood 7.5, Hurst 7.5, Kavanagh 8.5 (star man), Thirlwell 6, Clayton 8, Robson 8, Dobie 8 Subs: Madine and Taiwo.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
** Taken from CUFC online main report as no messageboard ratings

Feb 11th (Thu)

Overtime pay for Carlisle’s Boys in Blue is cancelled for the next four weeks as one man crime wave Gary Madine goes on a month’s loan to Chesterfield “in order to get more pitch time”.

Feb 12th (Fri)

The strikers’ pegs at Brunton Park become another shirt lighter with Ryan Bowman’s one-month loan move to Workington. In the space of just two days, Offiong has moved up to become the 7th best striker at the club and narrowly trails 6th placed Doris the tea lady.

Feb 13th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 5 MK DONS 0
Although a 2-0 half time lead slightly flatters Carlisle after a hesitant start, it could have been a cricket score by the end of the match such were the number of chances created in a dominant second half. Hurst set up Harte to head in the first and Robson drilled in a second on 39. He then set up Duffy for his first goal for the Blues as well as Dobie on 63 and 71 and then in one of the best moves of the match, Anyinsah started and finished a sweeping raid up the pitch for the fifth.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Keogh 7.00, Livesey 7.20, Harte 7.20, Murphy 7.20, Hurst 7.60, Clayton 8.20 (star man), Thirlwell 7.10 (Taiwo 6.25), Robson 7.90 (Marshall 6.25), Dobie 7.60 (Anyinsah 7.75), Duffy 7.60.

Feb 16th (Tue)

CARLISLE UTD 1 HUDDERSFIELD 2
It’s a case of ‘After the Lord Mayor’s Show’ as the Terriers dominate the first hour to deservedly take a 2-0. The game changes with the triple introduction of Taiwo, Anyinsah and Marshall. Anyinsah controversially has a goal disallowed on 74 after Taiwo appears to win a challenge cleanly. His late strike 3 minutes into 5 minutes of stoppage time ends up being too little too late.

* Player Ratings: Collin 5.60, Keogh 5.20, Livesey 5.20, Harte 4.80, Murphy 3.40, Hurst 4.20 (Marshall 6.13), Clayton 5.90, Thirlwell 4.00 (Taiwo 4.88), Robson 5.10, Duffy 5.00, Dobie 4.40 (Anyinsah 6.50 star man).

Feb 17th (Wed)

29 year-old Canadian international centre half Adrian Cann concludes his extended trial with the Blues without the offer of a contract.


Gregg Abbott signs a 12-month extension to his current agreement that will potentially keep him in his role until June 2011.

Feb 20th (Sat)

It’s revealed that reserve keeper Lenny Pidgeley will be out for 4-6 weeks after breaking a bone in his hand (the 4th metacarpal) during a training ground incident involving Richard Keogh. Rumours that it occurred in the team canteen when he tried to steal one of the marauding right back’s fish fingers during the lunch break appear to be unfounded. Mark Gillespie will now take over the position of understudy to Collin.


SWINDON TOWN 2 CARLISLE UTD 0
The Austin and Paynter double act does the trick again for Swindon in a lack-lustre display following a bright start where Harte tested the keeper and Livesey missed the target with a free header from a Kavanagh corner. Once the defence had been breached on 31, it was more man the barricades than look for the equaliser and the result leaves Carlisle without a single win at Swindon in 18 attempts made up of a record of 10 draws and 8 defeats.

** Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 6, Livesey 7, Harte 6, Murphy 6, Marshall 6 (Hurst 7), Thirlwell 6, Kavanagh 6 (Duffy 6), Clayton 6, (Bridge-Wilkinson 6), Robson 6, Anyinsah 7.

Feb 22nd (Mon)

Ticket sales for the JPT final at Wembley reach 14,000 following the first day of their general sale. The Cumbrians total allocation is 24,506.

Feb 23rd (Tue)

HARTLEPOOL UTD 4 CARLISLE UTD 1
After gaining a foothold in the match after Dobie equalised an early goal from the Monkey Hangers, it all started to unravel once the second went in. By all accounts, the worse performance of the season and then some.

Player Ratings: Collin 3.67, Keogh 3.67, Livesey 5.00 (=star man), Harte 4.00, Murphy 2.00, Hurst 4.67, Thirlwell 2.67, Clayton 4.67, Robson 5.00 (=star man), Duffy 2.67, Dobie 5.00 (=star man).

Feb 25th (Thu)

CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 6 ACCRINGTON STANLEY RESERVES 1
Two goals a piece for Kane and Marshall plus a strike from BMW and Tinnion sees a rampant victory for Carlisle’s second string.

Team: Gillespie, Kane, Aldred, Swinglehurst, Horwood, Marshall, Rothery, Blake, Taiwo, Bridge-Wilkinson, Tinnion.

Michael Burns agrees to extend his loan spell at Stafford Rangers for a further month.

Feb 26th (Fri)

Anyinsah faces a longer spell on the sidelines following further post-training discomfort in the stomach and groin area. He will see a specialist early next week with a view to surgery followed by up to six weeks of recovery.


Youth team striker Ben McKenna makes the Northern Ireland U-17 squad to face Norway in two friendly games the following week.

Feb 27th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD 2 GILLINGHAM 0
A relatively comfortable win in the end against the hapless Gills still looking for their first away win in the league this season but then any team with a “Nutter” in their line-up was always on to a loser. True enough in one of the flashpoints of the game, Livesey appears to be on the end of a marauding elbow. Abbott’s protests’ see him sent to the stands as the officials fail to take any action – perhaps his reputation went before him and they thought Danny’s face attacked the Gills’ player’s elbow? Harte’s takes his remarkable goal tally to 14 with a Beckhamesque curler over the wall on 40 from a direct free-kick and then a penalty on 52 after Robson is hauled down from Clayton’s fine through ball. Steve Bruce appears to be the target for goals from defence in one season with 19 to his name.

Player Ratings: Collin 5.75, Keogh 7.00, Livesey 7.50 (=star man), Harte 7.50 (=star man), Horwood 6.75, Hurst 6.25, Clayton 7.00, Taiwo 7.38, Robson 7.00, Dobie 6.00, Duffy 5.38.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2009-12-31T22:04:00+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6a90254e1e1b5a8331997cc742154893-94.html#unique-entry-id-94http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/6a90254e1e1b5a8331997cc742154893-94.html#unique-entry-id-94Dec 8th (Tue)

Well over 2,000 tickets for Everton are sold on their first day (the last ticket goes by the 12th). The Exeter league game postponed to make way for the cup game is rearranged for Tuesday, 26th January.

A waterlogged pitch puts paid to the reserve team’s game on the 9th away at Wrexham.

CARLISLE UTD 0 STOKE CITY 1 - FA YOUTH CUP ROUND 3
It’s heartbreak for the Carlisle youngsters as the Academy side squeeze past them thanks to a soft goal in the final minute of the game. Up until then, Carlisle had given them a few frights in an entertaining game, matching Stoke all over the park especially in the second half. Swinglehurst had a goal disallowed on the 2nd minute. For Stoke, Louis Moult was a constant threat up front including one that hit the bar and a number of others that tested Gillespie’s skills.
Team: Mark Gillespie, James Wood (James Bonner 82), Steven Swinglehurst, Sean Law, Ben Richards-Everton, Jamie Cleary, Ben McKenna, Liam Davison ©, Ryan Bowman, Manny Richardson, Matt Osmond.

Dec 9th (Wed)

The official site carries an article (see link) on the London Branch and its additional support of the Youth Team by contributing their pooled Teamcard points towards cold weather training gear.
http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10361~1899224,00.html


Dec 11th

Both BMW and Anyinsah edge nearer to full-fitness while Thirlwell “steps up his rehab”. Remember kids, just ..say.. no. Offiong’s scan reveals a tear in his lateral ligament that will keep him out until about late January.

Mark Beck, a 15 year-old forward, becomes the first YTS signing for 2010/11. The Sunderland-born lad is a regular in the Durham County set-up and at 6’4”, the Peter Crouch comparisons have already begun.

Dec 12th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 0 BURNLEY YTH 2
It’s a bad couple of weeks for the Youth team who seem to have hit the buffers. This time the old enemy take the points to leave Carlisle’s aspirations for a top three finish in tatters.

CARLISLE UTD 1 WYCOMBE W 0
The Ian Harte/ Pericard combination does the trick again to break Wycombe’s resistance at the end of the first half after a bright start from the Cumbrians. It’s another exercise in rapidly disappearing fingernails as the visitors’ pace up front creates a number of spurned opportunities for the visitors. Taiwo missed the game through a bout of tonsillitis.
** Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 7, Livesey 8 (star man), Harte 6, Horwood 7, Hurst 6, Murphy 6, Kavanagh 7, Clayton 6, Robson 7, Pericard 7. Subs: Dobie and Aldred.
Dec 15th (Tue)

CARLISLE UNITED 3 BRADFORD CITY 0 - JPT NORTHERN SEMI FINALS
It’s almost time to start humming that annoying ‘Starship’ song over and over in your head with now only one equally loved team from Yorkshire standing between Carlisle and their 3rd visit to Wembley. Good chances come and go for both teams in the first half before Ramsden’s constant fouling of Robson tests the referee’s patience beyond its limit and sees him sent off on 39 for a second yellow. Within five minutes, Keogh had smashed in the saved rebound from Robson’s shot following good work from Pericard. Sloppy play from United almost gift City back into the match for the first half of the second period but Dobie’s introduction makes a difference as he finishes Hurst’s chipped pass on 68 and then Robson’s superb, mazy run wraps up the perfect Xmas present on 74.
** Player Ratings: Pidgeley 5, Keogh 8 (star man), Livesey 7 (Aldred 89), Harte 7, Horwood 7, Hurst 7, Murphy 7, Taiwo 6 (Dobie 64, 7), Clayton 7 Robson 7, Pericard 7 (Bridge-Wilkinson 80).
United are drawn to play Leeds at Elland Road, in the first leg, in week commencing 18 January 2010. The second leg, at Brunton Park, will be played in the week commencing 15 February 2010.
Dec 16th (Wed)

ACCRINGTON STANLEY RES 0 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 3
The Reserves keep their position at the top with a convincing 3-0 win against Accrington and making it 6 wins from 7 in the process. A goal from Jonny Blake in the first half was followed up with strikes from Tom Aldred and Tony Kane late in the second period. It could have been 7.
Team: Gillespie, Kane, Lakeland, Bridge-Wilkinson, Aldred, Cleary (Wood 66), Richardson (Davison 49), Blake, Bowman (McKenna 35), Burns, Tinnion.
Carlisle is named as one of 14 finalists hoping to be named the UK’s first city of culture in 2013.
The others include Barnsley, Birmingham, Chichester, Hull, Ipswich and the Haven Gateway, Norwich, Portsmouth and Southampton, Sheffield, the county of Cornwall (huh?), Derry, Southend, Durham and Swansea. The winner will be named next summer.

Barrow sell 5,000 tickets out of an allocation of 7,100 on just the first day of sale for their FA Cup 3rd round match at Sunderland.


Dec 18th (Fri)

Following seven firm inches of innuendo-inspiring white stuff falling over Essex, the players and staff perform a U-turn on their way to Colchester with the game being called off.

Dec 26th (Sat)

The home Boxing Day clash against Huddersfield is also a victim of the big freeze due in part to surrounding conditions and health and safety concerns.

Dec 28th (Mon)

HE COULDN’T HIT A ‘S REAR WITH A FAT
TRANMERE ROVERS 0 CARLISLE UTD 0
Both teams largely cancelled each other out although there was a remarkable miss by Tranmere’s Thomas-Moore on 64. Former Carlisle-loanee John Welsh’s pass deflected into the box, Curran then getting to the ball before Collin only to see his toe-poked effort ping away off the underside of the crossbar but fall to T-M. With a gaping empty goal, he then smacked the rebound into the side-netting. Clayton, Dobie and Anyinsah had the best of the other chances in the game.
** Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 8 (star man), Livesey 7, Harte 6, Horwood 7, Hurst 6, Murphy 6, Kavanagh 6, Clayton 7, Robson 6, Pericard 6. Subs: Dobie 6, Anyinsah.
Dec 30th (Wed)
Charlton and Southampton are rumoured to be amongst the clubs chasing the signature of Pericard once his deal comes to an end on January 12th. There’s still no further news on the futures of Clayton and Taiwo.
]]>webmaster@carlislelondonbranch.orgHome2010-01-31T12:52:00+00:00http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a33328aac07b3a818d9ce4e5ab889884-93.html#unique-entry-id-93http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/news/bruntondiary_files/a33328aac07b3a818d9ce4e5ab889884-93.html#unique-entry-id-93Jan 2nd (Sat)

EVERTON 3 CARLISLE UTD 1 – FA CUP 3rd ROUND
The class of 2009/10 fall short of repeating the heroics of 74/5 but only by the narrowest of margins in playing terms after matching Everton all over the pitch for 90 minutes in an enthralling cup tie. In the end, Carlisle were possibly no more than Howard’s fingertips away from the 4th round after getting enough on the ball to divert Livesey’s penalty-edge volley onto the bar. Although at fault for the first with a back pass straight out of a football bloopers DVD, Clayton’s all action show led the way while Taiwo tackled every blue shirt in sight.
* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Keogh 7.88, Livesey 8, Harte 8.25, Horwood 7.25, Hurst 7.88, Taiwo 8.5 (star man), Kavanagh 7.75, Clayton 8.13, Robson 8.13, Pericard 7.88 . Subs: Dobie, Anyinsah.

Barrow’s FA Cup run ends with a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland for whom Michael Liddle made his debut after coming on with 10 minutes to go. Left-back Liddle made 23 appearances for United last season.
Jan 4th (Mon)
It’s confirmed that Carlisle will face Leeds in the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern area final on Tuesday 9th February 2010 at Brunton Park. The tie, initially scheduled for the week beginning 15th February, has been brought forward following discussions with SKY TV, the Football League and with all of the clubs concerned. Sky will make a later decision on whether to broadcast the tie and the game will kick off at 7pm rather than 7-45pm if this is the case.


Negotiations with the clubs and representatives of Taiwo, Clayton and Pericard appear to be moving closer to a conclusion. In what could be excellent news, an agreement has been reached with Chelsea about Taiwo that may see the deal becoming a permanent one rather than just a further loan. In the mean time, he will continue to train with the squad with the hope that a deal will be finished very shortly.

With Mancini now in charge at Manchester City, fellow midfielder Adam Clayton has returned to his parent club at the request of the management team where they will keep hold of him for two weeks so that they can complete their assessment of him. United still have the option to extend Clayton’s loan deal for a further one-month period or to complete a half season loan deal that would keep him at the club until the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

Pericard remains in talks with the club and is expected to make a decision after the game against Millwall on Saturday. This however remains in major doubt due to the present weather and forecast and the club are seeking permission from the league to inspect on Thursday morning, the time when Millwall were planning to set off on their journey to Cumbria – what were they using, sledges and huskies??

Jan 5th (Tue)

It’s reported by Sky Sports that Pericard has turned down the offer to stay at Carlisle with a view to announcing his new club early next week.

Jan 6th (Weds)

In the transfer coup of the season, Tom Taiwo agrees a permanent move to Carlisle on a deal that secures his services until at least summer 2012. The terms with Chelsea are undisclosed at this time.
The postponed games against Colchester (A) and Huddersfield (H) are re-arranged for March 2nd and March 16th respectively. Gavin Rothery picked up a slight groin strain as part of his 20 minutes for Barrow in the Sunderland game and is back at Brunton Park for treatment.

Jan 8th (Fri)

Millwall is confirmed as off. Several transfer rumours do the rounds including Coleman wishing to make Madine’s move to Coventry a permanent one, Murphy going off to Shrewsbury or one of any number of interested parties and Scott Dobie being linked with a loan move to Aberdeen that turns about a case of mistaken identity by one of the local papers. Stephen Dobbie of Swansea City was supposedly the correct party involved in the rumour – you couldn’t make it up.

Jan 12th (Tue)

Ahead of the Southend Utd away game on March 20th, it’s announced that a live fans forum will take place on the Friday evening at the Park Inn Hotel from 1730. A number of club representatives will be present to field questions and shoe throwing will be strictly forbidden on the night.
Although nothing appears to have been announced at this time, it would be an idea to have it organised so that either the hosting hotel or one/two nearby were doing a special deal for fans travelling with the intention of attending both the forum and the match.


As anticipated a week earlier, Pericard confirms his decision to turn down the generous offer to stay as the alleged top earner at frozen, windswept, oft-flooded, Brunton Park to take up a footballer-for-hire position at a club likely to be somewhere near his friends and family in the south. Fool!


The N&S tips five players on our radar as possible replacements for Pericard. Although making a brief sub appearance in the Birmingham cup tie, the final name has been linked with a loan move to lowly Brighton having seemingly fallen out of favour at the City Ground
ENOCH SHOWUNMI, 27, Leeds United.
LEWIS GUY, 24, Doncaster Rovers
SCOTT VERNON, 26, Colchester United
TRESOR KANDOL, 28, Leeds United
JOE GARNER, 21, Nottingham Forest

Other names mentioned on the messageboard include Kevin Kyle (ex-Sunderland), presently at cash-strapped Kilmarnock, free agent Michael Misfud (ex-Coventry) and Richard Brodie, the prolific York City striker.

Jan 13th (Weds)

One man definitely on the move is part-keeper, part-blockade Matty Glennon with his release by Huddersfield allowing him to join Bradford City.
Peter Murphy reveals his frustration at being dropped after the Norwich victory and then not featuring in the Everton game in an interview with the News and Star.
It’s reported that GA is hoping to imminently arrange a friendly to give vital pitch time on grass to key players who are returning from injury or lacking match sharpness and in particular, Thirlwell, Offiong, Anyinsah and Bridge-Wilkinson.

Jan 16th (Sat)

BRENTFORD 3 CARLISLE UTD 1
Even with Lee Brennan in the party and being Soccer AM’s fans of the week can’t inspire the team to victory. The reverse fixtures from the opening weekend of the season results in business as usual for Carlisle with nemesis-in-waiting Myles Weston repeating his previous effort with a double salvo. The Blues run the show for half an hour and only a stunning save from Taiwo and some dubious refereeing to prevent an assault on Keogh’s run resulting in a penalty keeps the scores level. The tide turns with a soft opener from some casual defending down the left and despite a second-wind from Carlisle in the last 20, there always looked like only one winner once the opener went in. Having played for Carlisle in the first game, Cleveland Taylor misses out on renewing old acquaintances as a run of poor form sees him shipped out on loan to Burton Albion just before the game.
* Player Ratings: Collin 6.33 (=star man), Keogh 5.33, Livesey 4.33, Harte 4.00, Horwood 6.33 (=star man), Hurst 4.00, Taiwo 6.33 (=star man), Kavanagh 4.67, Robson 5.67, Dobie 5.00, Anyinsah 5.00.
Better times for another old boy with Kevin Gall scoring for York in their victory.

Jan 18th (Mon)

Man City’s highly rated England U20 Adam Clayton returns to Carlisle on loan for the rest of the season from with Mancini declaring that Adam needs to work further on looking stylish in a cashmere scarf with moleskin gloves and matching accessories in order to fit in with his first-team plans.

Jan 19th (Tues)

LEEDS UNITED 1 CARLISLE UNITED 2 - JPT NORTHERN FINAL FIRST LEG
Despite starting as 7/1 outsiders, just over 13,000 witness a clinical win at Elland Road to leave Carlisle in the driving seat but by no means home and hosed for a glamour final at Wembley. It’s wasn’t one way traffic by any means and Beckford was at his prolific best in missing three good chances. However, a great move and finish by Kavanagh gave the initial and after a wobble when Leeds equalised, Anyinsah came on to power in a header on 83 for the winner.
Sky TV will be showing the second leg live at 7pm on Tuesday, February 9th.
* Player Ratings: Pidgeley 6.50, Keogh 7.33 (star man), Livesey 6.17, Harte 6.67, Horwood 6.83 , Hurst 6.17, Taiwo 6.50, Kavanagh 7.17, Clayton 7.00, Robson 7.00, Dobie 5.50, Sub: Anyinsah 5.00.

Jan 20th (Weds)

ROCHDALE RES 1 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 0
A strong looking Carlisle side surprisingly lose to Rochdale as a scuffed left-footed shot bobbles horribly over Gillespie on the half hour.
Team: Gillespie, Kane, Blake, Thirlwell (Lakeland 71), Aldred, Murphy, Bowman (McKenna 63), Burns, Offiong, Bridge-Wilkinson, Tinnion.

Jan 21st (Thu)

It’s confirmed that talks between Carlisle and Coventry over Gary Madine’s future are still ongoing with little progress being made in agreeing a valuation that meets the needs of both parties.

Meanwhile, another player with an uncertain future and at least seven midfielders ahead of him seems to be Michael Burns as he moves on a one-month loan to Stafford Rangers. Stafford competes in the Blue Square North with Workington and he joins another former old boy in the shape of centre-half Craig McAughtrie. The 28-year-old has re-joined Stafford Rangers on loan until the end of the season from Eastwood Town. McAughtrie, who made 214 appearances for Rangers and scored 21 goals in a five-year spell, left Rangers in 2007 for Staffordshire rivals Tamworth and he has since played for King’s Lynn, who have now folded.
Millwall join 23 other league clubs in being linked with a move for Joe Garner.

Jan 23rd (Sat)

OLDHAM YOUTH 4 CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 3
Ryan Bowman scored twice to keep the score level at 2-2 at half time but a second half strike from Steven Swinglehurst wasn’t enough to prevent the home side from taking an exciting 4-3 win.


CARLISLE UTD 0 STOCKPORT COUNTY 0
More frustration in the post-Pericard era as a succession of strikers are rolled onto the pitch to try their luck at the Fon Williams goal. After a poor first half, Hurst hits the base of the post with a lob and the ball rolls across the face of the goal. Two strong penalty shouts are turned down and the referee etches his performance in the memories of the Brunton Park faithful even further as he sends Dobie off on 72 after the forward is wrestled down once more. Offiong’s misery continues with a poor effort when he should have opened his account and in the dying seconds, Clayton’s drive is denied by Fon Williams again.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7 (=star man), Keogh 6, Livesey 5.5, Harte 5.75, Horwood 5, Hurst 5, Taiwo 5, Kavanagh 5, Clayton 7 (=star man), Robson 5, Anyinsah 7 (=star man).

United’s Head of Youth Development Eric Kinder secures the signatures of four of David Wilkes’ Centre of Excellence U16 players for next season’s Youth squad as they join already-signed Mark Beck (centre forward) and Lance McGlen (centre half). Josh Todd (central midfielder), Dan Jones (centre forward), David Symington (central midfielder or right back) and Adam Gill (wide right or wide left) are all Cumbrians and will team up with the squad in July. Todd and Jones have already been involved with the U18s and Gill and Symington have played in trial games.

Jan 26th (Tue)

Gateshead manager Ian Bogie will have another forward option to choose from when he picks his next side (sorry) as the legend that is Brian Wake joins the Conference team on a free from Greenock Morton. With 50 goals from 188 games, his record is nothing to be sniffed at.

EXETER CITY 2 CARLISLE UTD 3
OFFSIDEAGAIN, OFFTARGETAGAIN, OFFTODARLOAGAIN or whatever you want to call him finally scores!!!!!!
Enough said.

* Player Ratings: Collin 6.67, Keogh 6.33, Livesey 8.00 (star man), Harte 6.33, Horwood 7.00, Hurst 6.67, Thirlwell 5.67, Clayton 7.33, Robson 6.67, Kavanagh 5.67, Anyinsah 7.67. Subs: Madine and Offiong.

Jan 29th (Fri)

After some inevitable rumours linking him with a return to Carlisle, Lee Peacock joins Grimsby Town on an 18-month deal. The football’s going to be rubbish but the fish and chips will be terrific. Swindon’s decision to give him a free was ironically precipitated by Pericard’s arrival.

Jan 30th (Sat)

The Youth Team’s home match against Preston is called off due to a frozen pitch.

It’s confirmed that Carlisle took 20 year-old striker Jordan Connerton on a short trial during the week from Lancaster City. Several clubs have already been linked with the player including most recently Preston as well as Crewe, Swindon, Motherwell, Leeds and Derby. Described as strong with a good touch, great awareness and a quality finisher, Jordan already as 30 goals to his credit this season.

CARLISLE UTD 2 LEYTON ORIENT 2
The lessons from Tuesday aren’t learnt as two points are thrown away against the O’s. It had all started so well under a newly employed 4-4-2 system with a great move for Anyinsah’s opener on 14 and then Harte powered in a header from Robson’s corner just before half-time. Sloppy goals on 60 and 77 bring parity. Smokin’ Joe goes off early with an injury and is therefore a major doubt for the Tuesday game at Colchester.

* Player Ratings: Collin 7.00, Keogh 7.67 (star man), Livesey 6.00, Harte 6.67, Horwood 6.50, Hurst 5.67, Thirlwell 4.67, Clayton 7.17, Robson 6.00, Madine 4.33, Anyinsah 7.17. Sub: Offiong 3.50

Elsewhere it finishes AFC Wimbledon 2 Workington 3 to send the Reds into the quarter finals of the FA Trophy.
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