BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Colchester United

Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's game

7 February 2018

United play host to the U's on Saturday as the Essex-based outfit make the trip up north.

Looking ahead to the weekend, manager Keith Curle said: "I know John McGreal well and he'll be looking for his lads to build on the unbeaten run they've had recently.

"They'll come here looking to get us on the counter and they'll close us down at every opportunity.

"We've played some good football ourselves recently and it's now a case of making sure we develop the mentality which will see us build on the good positions we're getting ourselves into so that we go on to get the results our performances deserve.

"There are still a lot of points to play for and we are determined to give our fans plenty to cheer about through the closing stages of the season."

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. A booking fee of £1 applies to all online transactions.

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Welcome to our guests in Foxy's Restaurant this weekend

We're looking forward to welcoming all of our match day guests to Foxy's this weekend.

It's not too late for you to make a day of it - get in touch with our Commercial Department for more details on our match day hospitality packages.

Give them a call on 01228 554 155 or email commercial@carlisleunited.co.uk

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Half Time Crossbar Challenge

Our half-time entertainment will be another of our popular crossbar challenges - keep an eye out on social media because it will have a bit of a twist this weekend.

We're going to get five of our under-16 fans to take part. Good luck!

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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.

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

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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 this weekend and we're looking forward to seeing you all there as we welcome Colchester United 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!

There are plenty of items in our sale section in the Blues Store at the moment so make sure you pop in and have a quick look.

From fashion ranges to small souvenirs, 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 Joey Jim Armstrong, Jack Dalton and James Jenkins.

Joey Jim is most looking forward to meeting Reggie Lambe, Jack is a big Danny Grainger and Jamie Devitt fan, and James is also looking forward to meeting our club captain.

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 Ross Joyce.

Mr Joyce has taken charge of 30 games so far this season and has shown 120 yellow cards and one red.

The last time we met him was in September when we travelled to the Alexandra Stadium to face Crewe. Goals from Grainger (2), Lambe and Hope were complemented by an own goal from Michael Raynes as the Blues romped to a five-goal victory.

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

Our popular Head to Head competition sees Gary Liddle and Reggie Lambe - two of our winners from earlier in the season - do battle for the right to progress to the final stages of what is possibly the daftest competition we've ever held.

Who wins ... 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 1 - 1 Colchester

Report from the Saturday afternoon home game

10 February 2018

United played host to the U's at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon.

And it was honours even as Carlisle equalised late in the day courtesy of a stunning free kick from the in-form Jamie Devitt.

The U's had the first chance of the day when a deep free kick was recovered by Prosser. His cut back was hit on the volley by Kent but Parkes was back to clear it before it could trouble the target.

The visitors came again when Senior worked a one-two on the edge of the box. That took him past the back line but he couldn't find a team mate despite having time and space on his side.

Carlisle responded with a neat move which saw Twardek pull wide to receive the ball. He brought Etuhu into play and the midfielder was a whisker away with a rasping effort which grazed the outside of the post, with Walker well beaten.

It was a good spell for the hosts and Devitt wasn't too far away when he beat his man half way inside the U's half. He tried to squeeze his shot into the top corner and was disappointed to see it nestle on the roof of the net.

The all-action start to the encounter saw Senior send another speculative attempt over from the edge of the area, and United had half a sight when Jones snapped up a clearance from a corner with a low shot. A defender went to ground to make the block but the referee ignored the appeals for handball.

The Cumbrians were denied what looked a certain goal on 18 minutes when Campbell-Ryce turned his man inside out before curling a wonderful delivery into the box. Stockton met it with a fierce header but Walker went full stretch to palm it away just as it appeared to be crossing the line.

Midfielder Mike Jones was next to go close when he took matters into his own hands with a direct run from midfield. It opened up in front of him and Walker had to parry low to stop what was another blistering effort. Campbell-Ryce was first to the loose ball and he found Twardek with a chipped lob to the far stick. Another set of penalty appeals were ignored when the wide man was bundled to the floor.

Defender Clint Hill had to be careful when Wright found space to cross from the right flank with Colchester still willing to attack when they got the opportunity. The centre back judged his angles perfectly as he guided it over the bar.

United broke quickly and Etuhu was urged to shoot when he trapped the ball 23-yards from goal. Walker was having an excellent game and he completed another very good save, having seen the ball late.

It looked comfortable for United but they were the architects of their own downfall just before the break when they failed to recover their shape when Colchester broke quickly from a corner. Guthrie suddenly found himself with just Bonham to beat, as Senior played him clean through, and it was Senior who was on hand to roll the block from the stopper into the waiting net as the rebound fell at his feet.

Bonham had a save to make from a low shot from Eastman at the start of the second half, and Campbell-Ryce created an opening when he sent a cross in from the left. That bounced across the face of goal and there was too much for Devitt to do as he arrived late at the back post.

A shot from Jackson was next to test the United stopper, when he came from deep to take his chance, but good hands meant there was nothing to follow up.

The game became a war of midfield attrition but a tug on Twardek from Kent gave United a free kick right on the edge of the box. Devitt bent it over the wall and was unlucky to see it smash to safety off the top of the bar.

Devitt was involved again when he asked for a quick throw from Brown. He spotted Twardek at the front stick but it was awkward for the wide man and he sent his volley wide.

It was Devitt who levelled things up with another superb free kick as he made it three goals in three games when he took charge of the ball after a direct run from Lambe had seen him chopped to the floor. There was never any doubt as a thunderbolt rattled into the top corner.

Liddle then went close when he got on the end of a Twardek cross as he tried to guide it through legs and into the bottom corner. It lacked power and Walker was able to save. Colchester broke and Eastman was dangerous with a pass which took a deflection. Brown had to watch closely as he cleared it off the line and helped it on its way.

Mandron then hit the post as he jinked his way into a shooting position, and Bonham had to save from Stevenson when he tried his luck from distance. It was a good spell for the visitors but it came to a close when Jackson slashed wildly wide when he had other options.

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Goals

Carlisle United - Devitt (79)

Colchester United - Senior (44)

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Teams

Carlisle United - Bonham, Brown, Liddle, Hill, Parkes, Devitt, Jones (Lambe 66), Etuhu, Campbell-Ryce (O'Sullivan 78), Stockton (Bennett 71), Twardek. Subs - Gray, Hope, Ellis, Nadesan.

Colchester United - Walker, Jackson, Prosser, Kent, Wright, Comley, Stevenson (Murray 80), Eastman, Mandron, Senior (Szmodics 72), Guthrie (Mandeville 55). Subs - Gilmartin, Lapslie, Inniss, Ogedo-Uzokwe.

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Referee - Ross Joyce

Attendance - 4,006 (144 away fans)

Carlisle United Football Club

Standings

BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Colchester United

MATCH REPORT: United 1 - 1 Colchester