United will pop under the Mersey at the weekend as they head off to face Tranmere at Prenton Park.
Tranmere appointed former striker James Vaughan as their new sporting director midway through February - a very popular move with the fans.
Vaughan, 33, made 46 appearances for Rovers before he retired at the end of last season.
Vaughan said: "I’m excited about being able to be part of the project going forward."
As an aside, he remains the youngest player to score in the Premier League, having netted for Everton against Crystal Palace aged 16 years 271 days in April 2005.
Tranmere are in the group at the top of the table where absolutely anything could happen, from securing an automatic promotion spot to completely missing out on a play-off place.
It really is that tight.
Two wins from their last five games has left them on 63 points, along with four others, and they'll be looking to rediscover the consistency needed to make their run-in a successful one with the top three slots just three points in the distance.
They could have a real say at both ends of the table as they round off next month with games against Stevenage and Oldham, with home meetings with Exeter and Bristol Rovers to contend with in the meantime.
They tend to win games by the odd goal - they have just 44 league strikes to their tally (the lowest in the top half) - but they keep things tight, with just 34 conceded.
Defender Peter Clarke is a big part of the reason why Tranmere haven't let many in this season.
Vastly experienced he's notched up another 44 games this season, and is still one of the first names on the teamsheet.
A presence in both boxes, he'll be a threat and a barrier to be negotiated.
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| Carlisle wins | Draws | Tranmere wins | |
| League | 31 | 16 | 32 |
| Trophy | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| League Cup | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 34 | 19 | 37 |
Carlisle were undone by an own goal just after half-time in October 2021 as Tranmere went away from Cumbria with a one-goal win.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
A game that could have gone either way saw James Vaughan grab a late winner as Tranmere took the spoils home in February 2021. Vaughan had also scored in the first half, as did Kane Woolery, with Josh Kayode and Nick Anderton bagging for the Cumbrians.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
These teams met at Prenton Park in November 2020 with Keith Hill newly-appointed as manager. It was a tight game, but Corey Taylor netted the only goal of the encounter just after the break.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was a comfortable three-goal home victory for Rovers in March 2019 when Ollie Banks broke the deadlock just before half time. Oliver Norwood and Manny Monthe completed the scoring after the break.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Tranmere took all three points home from their trip to Cumbria in September 2018. The Blues had 15 minutes to forget at the end of the game as a penalty miss was followed by an own goal from Tom Parkes, and a killer blow from Paul Mullin just before the final whistle.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Our last meeting prior to that was in February 2015, at Prenton Park, when a quickfire double from Charlie Wyke just after the break secured a 2-0 away victory for the Blues. It came at a price as Kyle Dempsey received his marching orders deep into time added on.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The league meeting at Brunton Park earlier that season was a tense affair, but a nice finish from David Amoo with just 20 minutes left to play proved to be the difference as the Cumbrians battled their way to a hard-earned three points.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The trio of meetings from that season was completed, again at Prenton Park, when the sides came together in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Brad Potts got on the end of a good move to cancel out a first half Max Power goal, but it was Tranmere who progressed as they got the better of the penalty shoot-out, winning by 5-4 at the end of a very long night.
Watch the highlights of that game here:
Referee - Charles Breakspear
Assistant Referee 1 - Marvyn Amphlett
Assistant Referee 2 - Steven Rushton
Fourth Official - Scott Simpson
Observer - Mark Haywood
Our referee for this fixture is Mr Charles Breakspear. Charles has taken charge of 31 games so far this season showing 136 yellow cards and four reds.
He was last in charge for one of our games in October 21, when we lost 3-0 down in Bristol. Rovers scored two late goals, to add to an earlier strike, sending the Cumbrians home with nothing but yellow cards to show for their efforts. Jack Armer, Danny Devine, Brennan Dickenson, Morgan Feeney, Callum Guy and Jon Mellish all had their names taken.
He was there when we went to the Abbey in February 2020. Goals from Lewis Alessandra and Nick Anderton helped us to secure a 2-1 away win, but there were bookings for Byron Webster, Olufela Olomola, Harry McKirdy, Taylor Charters and Aaron Hayden along the way.
We saw him at Vale Park in January 2019. Rick Miller was sent off just before half time for the home side, and United made sure the advantage counted as Connor Simpson bagged a late winner. Hallam Hope and Tom Parkes were booked for the Blues.
Before that he was our referee in January 2018 when we travelled to Stevenage for what turned out to be a closely fought affair. No goals were scored on the day, and Richie Bennett had his name taken for a rash challenge late in the game.
He was also our man in the middle for the Colchester away game in October 2017, earlier that same season. A Jamie Devitt goal just after half time was enough to seal the three points for the Blues. Danny Grainger and James Brown went in the book that afternoon.
We have received an initial allocation of 700 tickets in the Cowshed Stand which is behind the goal. All tickets are reserved seating.
There is a £3 price increase on match day.
Prices
| Adult | £19 |
| Senior 65+ | £14 |
| Young person 18-22 | £12 |
| U18 | £6 |
| U12 | £2 |
| Ambulant disabled | £12 |
Parking is available for £5 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
All young persons must bring valid ID with date of birth on as this will be checked.
Disabled info
The ambulant disabled concession is based on the following criteria: you must have a middle to higher rate care component, have an enhanced daily living competent of PIPs, enhanced mobility or a letter form your GP.
Wheelchair spaces are available in the home Bebington Paddock Stand - please contact Tranmere direct on 0333 014 4452.
Dates of sale
| Date | Time |
| Thu 31 Mar | 10am – 5pm |
| Fri 1 Apr | 10am – 4pm |
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Methods of purchase:
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