It feels like a long time ago since these sides last met in league combat.
One win from five games leading into Tuesday night put the Dons in a mid-table position, and they had Northampton as their visitors at Plough Lane as they looked to get back to winning ways.
But they were left to rue missed chances early in the game as the Cobblers took the lead just before the half hour, and worse was to come as Ryley Towler sent the ball into his own net with 20 minutes left to play.
Their most recent victory was a solid away success at Crawley midway through last month, a game that was an example of how well they can play.
It's that kind of form that United will have to look out for this weekend.
Turning to squad matters, former Crewe keeper Will Jaaskelainen agreed a one-month contract as cover for Nathan Broome, who picked up a foot injury during a Papa Johns Trophy group game.
More end of transfer window activity saw aforementioned defender Ryley Towler join on loan until the end of the season from Bristol City.
And midfielder Harry Pell was acquired from Accrington on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old previously spent time with the Dons from 2013 to 2015, during which time he made 65 appearances.
Loanee Nathan Young-Coombes has three goals and two assists from his nine appearances so far - not a bad start for a 19-year-old who has been sent out by parent club Brentford to make his mark.
He began his career in Crystal Palace's academy before having spells with the youth teams at Chelsea and Rangers. He joined Brentford last summer, scoring 34 goals for their under-23 team last term.
An emerging talent, he fits firmly in the 'one two watch' category.
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| Carlisle wins | Draws | AFC W'bledon wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| League | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 1 | 2 | 1 |
It's honours even from the four meetings between these two teams, with it now over six years since we last met in league competition.
We played in London in February 2016 and keeper Mark Gillespie was sent off just after the break. Paul Robinson netted for the hosts moments later, and that was enough to win the game.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
We were up in Cumbria in August 2015 when Jabo Ibehre levelled after the break after Andy Barcham had given the visitors the lead in the first half.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was a memorable day for all concerned in September 2015 when Brunton Park saw an avalanche of goals. United scored four, as did the Dons, and we had Gary Dicker sent off into the bargain. Oh, and the away team equalised with the last kick of the game.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - Andy Haines
Assistant Referee 1 - Chris Isherwood
Assistant Referee 2 - Steven Rushton
Fourth Official - Simon Clayton
Observer - Jeff Ward
Coach - Paul Canadine
Mr Haines has taken charge of seven games so far this season showing 18 yellow cards and two reds.
He was here with us in March 2022 when a solitary Kris Dennis goal gave the Blues a 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers. Dennis was also booked, along with Jack Armer, Brennan Dickenson and Omari Patrick.
We saw him in January 2022 for our 2-0 home win over Bradford. Jordan Gibson netted on the stoke of half-time, Omari Patrick sealed it late in the day, and there were no Carlisle names taken on the day.
He was at Brunton Park in November 2020 for our defeat at the hands of soon to be promoted Cheltenham Town. Jon Mellish scored on the stroke of half time, but the Robins were already two goals to the good, and they ended up claiming the win. There were no bookings that afternoon.
We also had him for the pre-lockdown game against Cheltenham in February 2020. They won 1-0 and Gethin Jones was the only Carlisle name taken on the day.
He was last at Brunton Park prior to that for our 1-0 home victory over FA Cup replay with Forest Green in December 2019. Aaron Hayden scored his first goal for the club - the only goal of the game - and Ryan Loft went in the book on the night.
He was also here for the 2-1 home win over Macclesfield in November 2019. Harry McKirdy and Ryan Loft scored the Carlisle goals and Mike Jones and Canice Carroll had their names taken on the day.
Prior to that he was here in March 2019 for our 2-2 draw with Cambridge. The U's went ahead with just three minutes on the clock, but goals from Jamie Devitt and Nathan Thomas gave the Blues the lead before the break. Former-United favourite Jabo Ibehre bagged midway through the second period to make it a share of the spoils on the day. Danny Grainger and Mike Jones received bookings during the game.
He was also with us just three months earlier for our Boxing Day meeting with Oldham. United ran riot with goals from Hope, Yates [2], Nadesan, Grainger and Liddle securing a thumping 6-0 victory. Kelvin Etuhu was the only Carlisle name taken on the night.
Earlier in the 2018/19 season he was up here for our Checkatrade Trophy group fixture against Morecambe. A tight game saw the Shrimps twice take the lead through goals from Oliver and Piggott. Glendon and Gillesphey pegged them back for the Blues, and that set it up for Jerry Yates to grab a late winner. There were no United names taken on the night.
We saw Mr Haines twice in season 2017/18, both at Brunton Park, starting with our opening day fixture against Swindon Town. Luke Joyce scored our only goal in a 2-1 defeat, and Mike Jones was the only Carlisle name to be written down.
Our second meeting had a much more pleasant outcome as we beat Oldham Athletic 3-2 in the FA Cup. Richie Bennett (2) and Hallam Hope gave us a three goal cushion but there was still time to bite the fingernails as Peter Clarke and Aaron Holloway bit back to make it a nervy ending to the game. There were no Carlisle bookings that afternoon.
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