Both sides know exactly what's needed as they go into Tuesday's final Papa Johns Trophy group game - or do they, because it's actually quite complicated!
Three teams are locked on two points, and Fleetwood kick off 45 minutes after we do as they host table-toppers Man United U21.
A draw and a penalty win might do it; a draw and a penalty defeat definitely won't.
A win might do it - but that all depends on whether or not the Cod Army do the same.
Anyhoo ... all will become clear on Tuesday night.
The History:
When these sides met at Brunton Park in October 2020, it was the first coming together in the league for some 56 years.
And there was all sorts going on at the top of Division Four in April 1964 - in fact, things were so tight that five teams, Carlisle amongst them, were neck-and-neck for the right to take one of the four promotion spots, with the title also still up for grabs.
Things were a little bit more academic at the other end. A system of re-election was still in place, but the Bluebirds were doing everything they could to avoid bottom spot.
In the end Carlisle held their nerve, finishing second behind Gilingham despite having recorded a whopping 113 league goals.
Unfortunately a run of poor results, particularly at home, meant that Barrow did indeed pick up the dreaded wooden spoon.
Barrow have the same points and goal difference as ours in our Papa Johns Trophy group, and find themselves in a similar position in League Two.
They lost to Manchester United U21s earlier in the month, but took the bonus point from Fleetwood courtesy of a penalty shoot-out.
A run of three straight league defeats saw them drop out of the play-off places ahead of Saturday's away trip to Rochdale.
That ended as a fourth loss on the spin despite a late consolation from Niall Canavan, with the Dale having established a two-goal cushion.
The strong start to the season brought a new 'multi-year' contract agreement for manager Pete Wild, and defender and captain Canavan also extended his stay by a further two years with a new contract signed last week.
That makes him our one to watch, should he be involved in the game.
Click HERE to purchase a match pass which will allow you to WATCH this game via our streaming iFollow service.
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 | Barrow wins | |
| League | 24 | 18 | 18 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 25 | 18 | 21 |
Carlisle notched a good 2-1 away win at Holker Street in March 2022, with Jordan Gibson and Kris Dennis on the scoresheet. Ollie Banks pulled one back to make it an interesting ending, but United saw it through to the three points.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was 0-0 at Brunton Park in November 2021 with neither side able to break the deadlock in a tight encounter.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
That historic first meeting in 56 years in October 2020 went the way of Carlisle as Jon Mellish gave the Blues a 1-0 lead with 24 minutes on the clock. Aaron Hayden was given his marching orders early in the second half, but the 10-men held on to claim the win.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The return fixture at Holker Street in April 21 ended as a 2-2 draw. Jack Armer gave the visitors an early lead, but Scott Quigley and Patrick Brough had the hosts ahead before the break. Ozzy Zanzala levelled things up from the spot on 79 minutes.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referee 1 - Johnathon Bickerdike
Assistant Referee 2 - Billy Smallwood
Fourth Official - Scott Jackson
Observer - Muhammed Matadar
Our referee for this game is Mr Seb Stockbridge.
He has taken charge of 9 games this season showing 24 yellow cards and two reds.
He was with us in November 2021 when we lost at home to Harrogate by 2-0. George Thomson and Alex Pattison netted the goals, and Callum Guy had his name taken.
Brad Young notched a brace when United were victorious over an Everton U21 side in the Papa John's Trophy group stage at the end of September 2021. Gime Toure saw the only yellow card of the night.
April 2020 brought him to Holker Street for our 2-2 draw with Barrow. Jack Armer scored first - Scott Quigley and Patrick Brough gave the hosts the lead - but Ozzy Zanzala had the last say with the equalising goal. Jack Armer, Jon Mellish and George Tanner were booked for the Blues.
Mr Stockbridge was in Carlisle in November 2020 for the 3-2 win over Newport. Lewis Alessandra and Jon Mellish (2) scored the goals and Rod McDonald was the only Carlisle name noted.
And he was a late replacement in February 2021 for our 1-0 away defeat at Harrogate. The game just about survived a serious downpour, and George Tanner was the solitary booking on the night.
We had him for our 0-0 draw with Cambridge in November 2019 where Canice Carroll and Ryan Loft had their names entered into the bookings charts.
He was with us again in the 2019/20 season for our September 4-2 home loss at the hands of the Wolves under-21 side. Hallam Hope and Ryan Loft scored our goals and Canice Carroll received a yellow card.
The last time he was here prior to that was for our 2-0 home defeat against Morecambe in October 2018. There were no names taken on the afternoon but the game was lost by half time.
He was also with us in August 2018 for our 1-0 home victory over Crewe. Ashley Nadesan scored the winning goal, with 20 minutes left to play, and there were no United names taken on the day.
We saw him on three occasions during season 2017/18 – Danny Grainger [who also scored], Mike Jones, Mark Ellis and Jamie Devitt were all carded in our 1-1 draw with Luton in April.
Gary Liddle’s name was the only one written down as Kelvin Etuhu and John O’Sullivan scored the goals to secure a 2-0 victory over Chesterfield in February.
And Hallam Hope and Jason Kennedy were the goal scorers as United stayed trouble free in their 2-0 Checkatrade victory over Morecambe.
We have been allocated 112 seated tickets and 528 terrace tickets.
|
Date |
Time |
|
Sunday 16 October |
Closed |
|
Monday 17 October |
10am – 4pm |
Prices:
|
Concession |
Price Seating & Terrace |
|
Adult |
£10 |
|
Senior 65+ |
£5 |
|
Young Adult 18-21 |
£5 |
|
U18 |
£5 |
|
U7 |
FoC |
Ambulant disabled and wheelchair Info:
Ambulant disabled supporters pay the appropriate price with the carer ticket free of charge. Wheelchair users must contact Barrow AFC directly to purchase tickets 01229 666 010.
We recommend you order these tickets in advance as there is limited space.
Methods of purchase:
- In person – come to the main ticket office at the designated time.
- Phone – ring the ticket office 03300 945 930 option 1 at the designated times and pay with a credit / debit card.
- Internet – buy online HERE.
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If you wish to purchase bus travel you can organise this by calling CUSAT on 07563 700 987.