United go head-to-head with Harrogate on Tuesday night for the right to progress to the last eight of this season's Papa John's Trophy competition.
As discussed when we met Harrogate in November - last season's away meetings were troubled, to say the least, with the first fixture abandoned with just 10 minutes on the clock as temperatures dipped and the surface became unstable.
The teams tried again, but a digger half a mile up the road scuppered the best laid plans when it chopped through a power line, plunging the stadium into darkness.
We got there eventually, so next Tuesday will be the fourth time these teams have met.
Having lost their festive fixtures to postponements Harrogate headed into Saturday's home meeting with Port Vale on the back of a draw and three defeats.
But Covid struck when they least expected it, with the game called off on Friday after positive test results, combined with injury concerns, pulled the weekend rug from beneath their feet.
They're in the final 16 of this competition courtesy of a 2-1 away win at Tranmere, with Jack Muldoon and Alex Pattison netting second half goals to cancel out the early opener bagged by Nicky Maynard.
They finished second in their group, having seen off Mansfield Town and Newcastle United's U21 side, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Group H winners Sheffield Wednesday.
Luke Armstrong enjoyed a steady season with Hartlepool last season as he bagged 15 goals to keep his side in touch with their promotion dream.
And he helped that dream become reality in the National League play-off final when he scored the goal to help his side to a 1-1 draw, extra time and ultimately a penalty shoot-out victory.
Snapped up by Simon Weaver during the summer, he has 10 league goals to his name already, and is proving to be a real handful.
He's our midweek one to watch.
Click HERE to purchase a VIDEO match pass which will allow you to watch and listen to this game via our streaming iFollow service.
The game is being streamed under EFL 'midweek' streaming rights.
With match commentary provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team through the season.
Match audio passes are available for ALL EFL league games - click HERE to find out more about this season’s iFollow United service.
| Carlisle wins | Draws | Harrogate wins | |
| League | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 0 | 1 | 2 |
The Sulphurites took the points home with them in November 2021 with George Thomson and Alex Pattison netting for the away side.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park in April 2021. Josh Kayode scored in the second half for the Blues - Jack Muldoon had put the away side ahead early in the game.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Harrogate currently hold the bragging rights courtesy of a Josh March penalty in the first half of the game in February 2020 which was enough to earn the Sulphurites their win.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - David Rock
Assistant Referee 1 - Daniel Woodward
Assistant Referee 2 - Darren Williams
Fourth Official - Peter Wright
Observer - Andy Hall
The referee for this game is Mr David Rock. He has taken charge of 21 games so far this showing 77 yellow cards and four reds.
He was the man in the middle for an eventful meeting with Newport County in October 2021. Joe Riley scored in the first minute, but Dom Telford netted twice in the first half to put the hosts ahead. Zach Clough scored from the spot, and the Exiles had Ed Upson and Ryan Haynes sent off as the Blues upped the pressure. It ended 2-2.
He was our referee in November 2020 when Tranmere scored the only goal of the game at Prenton Park. Aaron Hayden had his name taken on the night.
We met up with him for the first time as our man in the middle for the trip to face Orient back in October 2019. Jack Iredale scored the goal which earned us a 1-1 draw and Mo Sagaf, Nathan Thomas and Byron Webster had their names taken on the day.
He was also our man in the middle for our away game at Crawley in February 2020. No goals were scored that day, but Aaron Hayden, Nick Anderton and Byron Webster had their names put into the book.
Online tickets will be on sale until midnight on Monday 3 January.
Prices:
+ Adult Standing - £10
+ Adult Seated - £11
+ Concession Standing - £8
+ Concession Seated - £9
+ U18 Standing - £2
+ U18 Seated - £3
There will be no sales or collections on the gate on the day of the game.
Click HERE to purchase tickets. Away fans select the EnviroVent Away seated or the EnviroVent Away Terrace options.
COVID GUIDANCE
People going to events are strongly advised to take a lateral flow test at home before attending.
Anyone with a positive test result must stay at home, and household members should follow national guidance for close contacts.
Face coverings should be worn indoors and in crowded spaces.
Keep a respectful social distance between yourselves and people who are not in your group.
Do not travel to the event if you are feeling unwell.
If you start to feel unwell whilst at an event you should leave the site immediately.
Follow all COVID-19 measures in place at events including regular hand hygiene.
