BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Lincoln City

Everything you need to know ahead of the Easter Monday game

31 March 2018

United round-off a busy Easter weekend with a Bank Holiday Monday home fixture against Lincoln City.

Looking ahead to the game, manager Keith Curle said: "Lincoln have carried on the momentum from their promotion last season and, as we saw in August, they can be a dangerous side if you allow them to build up a head of steam.

"We had some good chances in that game, and had we taken them it could have been a different story, but we know the strengths and attributes we'll face. We also feel their areas we can exploit, so we're looking forward to what we think will be a good game.

"Obviously we go into it with confidence following our recent run. The challenge to the players is to keep that going over what is an important weekend. We saw last Saturday that everybody is together and focused on getting results and, with our fans behind us in that way again, we expect to see another committed display."

Keith Curle

Remember, you can purchase your tickets by telephone on 0844 371 1921* or buy online and print at home, or order for collection, by clicking HERE.

*Calls to this number are charged at 7p per minute from landlines. Charges from mobiles may vary.

Please note - tickets for the Swindon and Morecambe away games will be on sale after full time on Monday from our west stand ticket office.

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Here are our Ticket Office and Blues Store opening hours for this coming weekend

Cumberland Building Society ticket pod - Fisher Street

Wednesday 28 March - 10am to 3pm
Thursday 29 March - 10am to 3pm
Friday 30 March - Closed
Saturday 31 March - 10am to 12pm

Main ticket office opening hours

Monday 26 March - Thursday 29 March from 10am to 5pm - Pioneer Stand ticket office
Friday 30 March - Closed
Saturday 31 March - 10am to 3pm - based in the Blues Store
Sunday 1 April - Closed
Monday 2 April - 10am to 5.15pm - West Stand ticket office

You can purchase tickets online by clicking HERE

The transaction fees have been lifted for Lincoln City online sales.

You can print at home (or show the ticket on your smartphone at the turnstile) for no extra cost.

Season Ticket holders - bring a friend for a tenner as part of our Mad March ticket offer incentive! Click HERE for more details.

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Blues Store

Don't forget there are HUGE savings to be made in-store on Monday! Click HERE for more details.

Thursday 29 March - 10am to 5pm
Friday 30 March - Closed
Saturday 31 March - 10am to 3pm
Sunday 1 April - Closed
Monday 2 April - 10am to 5.30pm

Visit the Blues Store online by clicking HERE

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A big welcome to this weekend's Match Ball Sponsors

We have two Match Ball Sponsor parties with us on Saturday - Kathryn and Bruce Vander Taylor and RAF 100.

Kathryn and Bruce are huge fans of the club and also take up player sponsorship opportunities with us every season.

We're looking forward to welcoming them and the guests of RAF 100 [RAF Spadeadam] into our hospitality areas this weekend.

Keep an eye out at half time for some fun Easter activities - we'll be asking dads and their children to take part (more information to follow on social media on Saturday).

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We are proud to be hosting our official Know the Score fixture this weekend

Saturday sees us host our annual 'Know the Score' bowel cancer awareness fixture.

An official charity partner, Know the Score do excellent work in raising awareness of, and funds for, a disease which touches so many families in the UK.

For full details, click HERE.

There will also be a bucket collection around the ground on Monday afternoon in aid of Maryport Inshore Rescue.

For more information on the excellent work they do, click HERE.

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CUOSC Surgery

CUOSC will be holding their next Supporters’ Surgery on Saturday, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm in the Study Centre, located next to the Blues Store.

Barry Carter from the CUSG Disabled Supporters Group will also be in attendance to answer any questions or queries our disabled fans may have.

Simon Clarkson, from CUSG, will also be there to talk about the ongoing refurbishment and proposed decoration plans for the Sunset Suite. Click HERE for more details on this project.

CUOSC

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Get to meet the players

Some of the first team squad will be out and about around the ground on match day.

Make sure you get your selfies and autographs:

12.45pm to 1pm - players arrive at main reception

2pm - Blues Store

2.30pm - Family Zone

Join us in our Family Zone for lots of fun with our Easter activities and crafts - show us your best Easter Bunny or draw us a picture of what you did at your Easter Egg Hunt! Doors at 1.30pm.

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Join us for our Happy Hour and Big Match build-up

Our hospitality areas will all be in full-flow again on Monday and we're looking forward to seeing you all there as we welcome Lincoln City for what is another important game.

Our TV screens will be showing all of the sports coverage ahead of kick off, to help you to get in the mood for the big game. And live football will also be on our screens after full time, for those of you who want to stay with us when our game has concluded.

Our catering partners, abm Catering, are delighted to confirm another Happy Hour in the Sporting Inn and Sunset Suite between 12pm and 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

The Happy Hour includes a ‘50p per pint off’ offer on Fosters, John Smiths and Strongbow [£3 per pint during the Happy Hour] – please note, Guinness and Morretti will be sold at full price.

Sunset Suite Remember, you can upgrade your match ticket to book a place in Foxy’s Restaurant - £25pp for a two-course meal or £30pp for a three-course meal.

We also have an extensive range of sponsorship opportunities available, from Match Day sponsorship to player and ball sponsorship packages. For more information please contact the Commercial Department on 01228 554 155 or email commercial@carlisleunited.co.uk

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New stock arriving in our Blues Store all the time!

As we go full steam ahead towards spring it's an excellent chance for you to pick up your Blues clothing and accessories with some cold spells still predicted in the coming weeks.

From fashion ranges to small souvenirs and stocking fillers, we have everything your devoted Blues fan could want.

The popular home and away kits continue to sell well - some of our first team players will be popping into the Blues Store at around 2pm – be there for a selfie with your new shirt if you can make it!

Keep checking in-store and online - we have new fashion and souvenir ranges arriving all the time.

Shirts

Telephone sales: 01228 554 138 (during store working hours only).

To shop at our online Blues Store, click HERE.

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The Mascots

Our mascots for this game are Jacob Crelin and Luca Gadbsy.

Jacob is most looking forward to meeting Richie Bennett, and Luca is a big fan of Reggie Lambe.

Have a great afternoon with us lads.

To find out more about our Junior Blues membership and how to become a mascot, click HERE.

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The Man in the Middle

Our match referee this weekend is Robert Lewis.

We've seen Mr Lewis just once before this season for our visit to Blundell Park back in November.

There were no bookings in what was an entertaining encounter which saw Clint Hill bag his first goal for the club with what turned out to be the winner with a close-range finish.

Referee

Our betting partner Sky Bet has some fantastic odds available on all match markets – click HERE for more details.

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The Match Programme

Issue 25 of this season’s 'The Blues' Match Day programme is on sale from our usual programme selling points and outlets around the ground.

We get tofind out what annoys keeper Morgan Bacon and also take a look back at a season of turmoil as the Blues battled their way to survival once again under Martin Wilkinson.

Get your copy to find out more!

It’s packed with fun, facts and features to keep you entertained during the half time break.

Priced at just £3 it’s becoming a must-have match day essential.

Programme

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Match Day Ticket Sales

Match Day Ticket Sales are as follows:

Main Stand [B, C, Pirelli Family Stand and EWM] – from the ticket office situated on the west side of the stadium.

Paddock – from the Paddock ticket office situated at the southern end of the Paddock.

Pioneer Foods Stand and Warwick Road End – from the Pioneer Foods Stand ticket office situated on the ground floor on the east side of the stadium.

Away fans – from the away ticket office situated at the northern end of the Pioneer Foods Stand.

Remember – during the working week our Pioneer Foods Stand ticket office, situated on the first floor of the Pioneer Foods stand, is open for ticket sales for ALL areas of the ground.

The ticket office on the west side of the stadium is open on MATCH DAYS ONLY.

The ticket office is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays (and until kick off for midweek games) and from 10am to 5.15pm on weekend match days.

Fans

It is worth noting that entry can be gained on match days by showing your ticket confirmation email on your smart phone or equivalent device. Simply present the relevant section of your eTicket for scanning at point of entry.

For full ticket office opening times and ticket prices, click HERE.

Remember, you can purchase your tickets by telephone on 0844 371 1921* or buy online and print at home, or order for collection, by clicking HERE.

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Be in it to win it with our Golden Gamble

Keep your eye out for our Golden Gamble sellers around the ground ahead of kick off.

Your tickets can be purchased for just £1 (or at 3 for £2) and give you the chance to win either £100, or the share of a cash pot, in our half time draws.

And, while we’re on the subject, why not sign up to our exciting Blues Lotto? For just £1 you can purchase 10 lucky numbers for our weekly draw giving you the chance to win cash prizes from our fund of nearly £60,000.

Golden Gamble

There is now the opportunity to pay an additional £1 per week to upgrade to Premier Membership where there is another £17,000 cash, 3 new cars and many other prizes waiting to be won.

For more details visit www.blueslotto.co.uk or email lottery@carlisleunited.co.uk.

Alternatively call 01228 526 237 and ask for Ewan Wood.

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The Blues Store in the East Stand

We are delighted to confirm that our Blues Store will be operating from the Club Bar adjacent to the Family Zone in the Pioneer Foods Stand once again this weekend.

A full range of stock will be available with the emphasis on smaller items, suitable for the younger visitors to our extremely popular Family Zone games and play area.

Keep your eye out for our mini-tuck shop selling a range of confectionary and drinks.

Replica kit sales continue to go well in our main Blues Store on Warwick Road and it would be great to see you in your favourite colour [blue or carbon] as you cheer on the lads from the stands and the terraces.

Blues Store

Blues Store opening times:

Monday - 10am to 5pm
Tuesday - 10am to 5pm (open until 7.45pm on a match day)
Wednesday - CLOSED
Thursday - 10am to 5pm
Friday - 10am to 5pm
Saturday - 10am to 3pm (open until 5.30pm on match day)
Sunday - CLOSED

Telephone sales: 01228 554 138 (during store working hours only).

Click HERE to shop at our online Blues Store.

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Challenge 25

We are operating the ‘Challenge 25’ policy at Brunton Park this season.

Please do not be offended if you are asked for ID when purchasing alcohol and if you appear to be under the age of 25 to our bar staff.

Challenge 25

Thank you for your cooperation.

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The Supporters’ Car Park

Our supporters’ car park is open with parking available at the stadium at just £3.

Car Park

Please be aware that the ground can be uneven in places, so take care when navigating and walking around the area.

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Local Match Day Travel with Stagecoach

Carlisle Footyrider – get to the match for half the cost!

Stagecoach Cumbria and Carlisle United are working together to make it easier for you to get to Brunton Park on match days.

The Carlisle Footyrider ticket will get you to every first-team home game for half the price of a normal dayrider ticket.

Stagecoach service 76 and 685 takes you straight to Brunton Park. Simply catch service 76 from The Crescent (Stand U) near the train station or service 685 from Carlisle Bus Station.

Stagecoach

What you'll need

To get a Carlisle Footyrider ticket you’ll need to show our driver one of the following:

+ A valid Carlisle United season ticket

+ A ticket for that day's match

Where you can travel?

You can get to Brunton Park from anywhere across Cumbria and North Lancashire.

Depending on where you’re travelling from, you can purchase a Footyrider ticket from within the:

+ Carlisle dayrider zone
+ Carlisle dayrider plus zone
+ Explorer zone

How much does it cost?

+ Carlisle dayrider - £1.50
+ Carlisle dayrider plus - £3.35
+ Explorer - £5.40

Click HERE to visit the Stagecoach website for full travel details.

Match Reports

MATCH REPORT: United 0 - 1 Lincoln

Report from the Monday afternoon home game

2 April 2018

Easter Monday brought Lincoln City to Brunton Park as League Two heads into the final month of its season.

There was plenty to talk about following a game packed with incident but ultimately it was an end to United's unbeaten run as a first half smash and grab style goal was enough to give Lincoln City the win.

The Imps had a great chance with just two minutes on the clock when a ball into the box eventually found Rhead on the jump. His downward header had Frecklington interested, but his touch was saved by a full length dive from Bonham. The keeper had help from Joyce as they smothered the loose ball and shepherded it behind to safety.

United sent a free kick from Parkes into the area in response and a flick from Hope had to be dealt with as it skipped across the face of goal. Wharton made a vital connection before Ellis could do any damage.

It was a fast-paced encounter and a Lincoln corner found Wharton unmarked at the back stick as it dipped over heads. He couldn't readjust and his scuffed volley bobbled well wide of the mark.

A well-worked Carlisle corner routine saw Devitt and Nadesan create space for Liddle to cross. Hill met it on the full but his header was right at the well positioned Ryan Allsop.

The flag went up for offside as Joyce tried to finish off a move he'd started when he won a crunching tackle in midfield. Bennett spread it to Hope, and he twisted and turned before clipping it into the area. Joyce was there but the assistant referee had spotted that he'd made his move a moment too soon.

Bonham had a stinger from Green to deal with when he bent his run and went for the shot from 20-yards, but it was firm hands which parried the ball away. A long throw followed and Whitehouse was disappointed to see his header drop past the upright.

Good football involving Jones and Liddle brought Carlisle a corner and a short routine pulled Devitt into play. He sprinted into the box and Allsop had to beat the ball behind as a stinging drive came in.

It started a run of corners and Nadesan twice had shots blocked, as did Jones and Bennett, as the Blues tried to find a way through. Appeals for handball were turned down when Hope had a delivery blocked, and Allsop gratefully gathered when a Joyce header fell his way.

A nod down from Rhead at the other end brought a wild swipe from Rowe which bent away, and a diving header from Parkes from a Devitt corner wasn't too far away as the game ebbed and flowed and became very pleasing to the eye.

United looked sharp in the tackle and Devitt once again found space when United harried their opponents out of possession. His driven low delivery was cleared at the front post and Green went in the book as he chopped Liddle to the floor.

It was a good spell for the Blues and crosses from Parkes had Bennett and Ellis challenging inside a packed penalty area. Lincoln came again and an excellent block from Hill prevented Rowe from hitting the target just as things looked to open up for him.

The home side were undone just ahead of the break when they seemed to be caught by surprise when Green was played clean through from a free kick from deep inside the visiting half. Bonham raced off his line to try to deal with the situation but the striker kept his cool to find the bottom corner with a crisp finish.

Things were tight at the start of the second half, but Lincoln almost bagged a second when Green sprinted clear to cross. Rhead headed it into the ground, Bonham punched it and the Blues eventually cleared as they regrouped and closed the spaces down.

Carlisle spurned a great opportunity to pull level when Bennett turned his man inside out and cut across the penalty area. The goal was at his mercy but he put his boot through the surface first and the shot was wayward.

A double substitution brought Campbell-Ryce and Grainger into the fray, with Joyce and Parkes making way, and the first contribution from the left back was a cross towards the penalty spot. Bennett got a flick but Eardley ushered it away.

There was controversy with 17 minutes left to play when a Carlisle corner brought huge appeals for a penalty as a hand went up - seemingly from a Lincoln man. The referee pointed to the spot, but a prolonged chat with his assistant brought a reversal of the decision and a free kick to the visiting side, after Danny Grainger had already placed the ball in readiness for the kick to be taken.

United looked to push forward from the setback and good hold up play from Campbell-Ryce allowed him to set Grainger for the delivery. That was guided behind by Habergham, and the Imps dealt with the corner despite flicks from Hill and Bennett.

Jamie Devitt flashed a shot wide when he went for it from 23-yards, having been played into space by Campbell-Ryce, and Grainger had the Lincoln back line worried once again with another good cross.

Stockton then volleyed over on the spin as the hosts kept pressing with the clock ticking down towards full time.

Carlisle were dealt another blow when Jones was sent off for a second bookable offence deep into time added on, and that took the sting out of what remained of the fightback as the away side sat on their one goal advantage.

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Goals

Lincoln City - Green (43)

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Bookings

Carlisle United - Parkes (44), Jones (68 & 90 - sent off), Devitt (86)

Lincoln City - Green (34)

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Teams

Carlisle United - Bonham, Liddle, Hill, Ellis, Parkes (Grainger 62), Devitt, Joyce (Campbell-Ryce 62), Jones, Hope (Stockton 77), Nadesan, Bennett. Subs - Gray, Brown, Lambe, Twardek.

Lincoln City - Allsop, Habergham, Whitehouse (Waterfall 79), Wharton, Rhead (Palmer 59), Green, Bostwick, Frecklington, Eardley, Rowe (Anderson 66), Woodyard. Subs - Farman, Pett, Williams, Wilson.

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Referee - Mr Robert Lewis

Attendance - 5,058 (618 away fans)

Carlisle United Football Club

Standings

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Lincoln City

MATCH REPORT: United 0 - 1 Lincoln