Coca-Cola League Two

Monday December 26th 2005, 1pm

The nearly-Christmas away trip is revived again for this festive season after Carlisle's return to the League.

They've started well and are among the favourites for promotion. Paul Simpson's side play with a lot of confidence, with goals from all over the pitch - which makes this a stiff challenge. Derek Holmes and Karl Hawley (quickly into double figures) are capable of causing problems up front, with the arrival of Michael Bridges increasing the options.

Man to watch Michael Bridges Former Leeds and Sunderland striker, who Darlo were in the hunt for.

Full match preview on the D@rlo Uncovered website.

Pay at the gate - the terracing is now available again and Darlo fans will be accommodated in the Petteril End behind the goal - £12 adult, £7 11-15-year-olds/OAPs, and £3 for under 11s.

Carlisle United FC Warwick Rd, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 1LL 01228 526237 History: Founded 1904 by the merger of Shaddongate United and Carlisle Red Rose. Joined League 1928, in place of Durham City. Briefly top of the old First Division, 1974/75. Famously saved from relegation to the Conference in 1999 by an injury time goal from on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass, but the Cumbrians finally lost their league status in 2004, albeit just for a season. Record Attendance: 27,500 v Birmingham FA Cup, 1957 Capacity: 16,651 Last season: Conference play-off champions Honours: Div 4 promotion 1961/62, 63/64; Div 3 champions 1964/65, Div 2 promotion, 1973/74. Record victory: 8-0 v Hartlepools, Div 3N, 1928 and Scunthorpe, Div 3N, 1952 Defeat: 1-11 v Hull C, Div 3 North, Jan 1939 Nickname: The Cumbrians, The Blues. Colours: Blue and White. Manager: Paul Simpson. Chairman: Andrew Jenkins Players in: Zigor Aranalde (Walsall) Players out: Craig Farrell, Brian Shelley, Kevin Henderson, Chris Beech, Carlos Roca, Tom Cowan Famous fans/connections: Writers Melvyn Bragg, Hunter Davies, ex-911 boy band singer Lee Brennan (fans); Bill Shankly and Bob Stokoe (ex-managers). Click for Streetmap of ground

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Exit M6 at junction 43 (s/p Carlisle A69), and follow the A69 towards the town, with Brunton Park is on the right after a mile.

The ground is a straightforward amble from the town centre, then down A469 Warwick Road - a residential area, past church on left hand side, ground is next to the rugby club on the left.

Suggested Trains: There aren't any today!

City Taxis Tel: 01228 520000
Cab's Taxis Tel: 01228 599999
Metro Taxis Tel: 01228 522088

Darlington FC Supporters Club
Coach time 10am because of the earlier kick-off now, £14. Contact: 01325 243911. See Darlington Supporters' Club for more details.

To be honest, we enjoyed our weekend a few seasons ago - there's a fairly pleasant riverside park near the castle, Italian bistros and an excellent Greek restaurant amongst the Georgian housing, while there is always the Eddie Stobart shop for truckers of all ages. A little further afield on the A591 south of Kendal, if up for the weekend, you can find the Homes of Football museum and photography exhibition, devoted to images of football grounds big and small across Britain, featuring the work of photographer - and Carlisle fan - Stuart Clarke.

Real ale/near ground Carlisle RFC, Warwick Rd, by the football ground. This is less than 200 yards from the ground. They're a friendly bunch, decent ales and always some Carlisle fans on hand to have a whinge with. At least two real ales, in a friendly atmosphere and an opportunity to mix with fans of Carlisle United. Large screen TV. Directions: Exi the M6 at junction 43 taking the Carlisle turn, continue straight ahead along Warwick Rd after approx 3/4 mile you will see Carlisle United FC on the right and a short distance after the ground to the right is a turn into the rugby club. The A69 will also follow the same route from the J43 roundabout. DAFTS recommended

Town centre The Griffin, Court Square near station (Tel: 01228 598941) Part of the John Barras pub chain, which is near the station and town centre. Woodrow Wilson Lower Street Wetherspoon's pub named after the late American president, who often visited the town - birthplace of his mother. Not known to have called into Brunton Park though. Another option is the Howard Arms 107 Lowther St - near Lane's shopping centre, old fashioned city centre pub.

Surrounding villages The Near Boot, B6264, Whiteclosegate village is a couple of miles north of the city, but a friendly village inn, run by a Newcastle fan who tries to put some decent beers on.

There's a good choice of Italian restaurants and pizzarias. Casa Romana, 44 Warwick Rd 01228 591969 reasonably priced with decent enough food, near the ground. Meanwhile, there's a very friendly and delicious Greek restaurant Alexandros 68 Warwick Rd, 01228 592227 in the same area. Click for map

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Rail timetables Virgin Trains GNER National Express Online map
Hotels/B&Bs Cumbria Online

Surfing there...

The best Carlisle website is CUFC Online - one of my favourite fans' sites of any club, to be honest. It's managed to combine the fun feel of a fanzine, while being packed with the info/news to keep any online supporter in the know. There's also a decent Rivals site called 94th Minute.com, in honour of their famous late escape. Try also the Official site, which has everything you expect from an official site! Meanwhile, read about the latest off-the-field goings-on on the Carlisle United Ind Supporters Trust website.

Next away match:
Lincoln City (Saturday December 31)

  No responsibility is taken for accuracy, if in doubt check before travelling.

© DAFTS 2005