"My own red roses"
(Thompson)
Having had our winning run reversed by Salford City (forgivable) and Scunthorpe United (partially gifted) it’s time to upset the form book and win against high-flying opposition - it’s what we tend to do. Chris Beech’s Cumbrians sit a comfortable 3rd in the League 2 table, with a game in hand over the teams immediately above and below them. Their most recent form, however, has seen something of a stutter - Tuesday’s game has not been included, Carlisle were losing 1-0 at Harrogate but the game was abandoned after 10 minutes (referee’s decision, icy pitch). So current form goes like this:-
December 2nd Salford City (H) Won 2-1
December 5th Bradford City (A) Won 0-1
December 12th Stevenage (H) Won 4-0
December 15th Mansfield Town (H) Won 1-0
December 19th Forest Green Rovers (A) Lost 1-0
December 26th Bolton Wanderers (H) Drew 3-3
There are a few players who have appeared for both sides - in addition Carlisle’s Director of Football is none other than David Holdsworth who played 9 games for us when on loan from Birmingham City, scoring once and getting sent off in 2 of those games (Sheffield Wednesday and the Dingles). The player list, which may or may not be complete, includes the following:-
Martin Brittain (M) 07-08 … Carlisle Utd - us - Kidderminster Harriers
Matty Fryatt (F) loaned to Carlisle 03-04, transferred to Leicester City 06
Kevan Hurst (M) 11-12 … signed from Carlisle Utd, and moved on to Southend United
Bobby Hutchinson 86-88 signed from Bristol City, loaned to Carlisle 87-88, then retired
Mark Prudhoe (G) 85-87 Signed from Birmingham City, moved on to Carlisle
Jason Price (M) 10-11 … loaned from Carlisle (5 appearances)
Ray Train (M) 68-72 … Walsall apprentice, moved to Carlisle (75 appearances for us, 11 goals)
Jabo Ibehre (F) 08-09 Signed from Leyton Orient, on to other clubs, then Carlisle (39 games, 10 goals)
Darrell Clarke’s options may well be severely limited for this fixture bearing in mind the current sick parade, often of influential players. Rory Holden’s appearance on crutches needs no comment, and the extent of Jack Rose’s injury is unclear. Also, when going 1-2 down to Scunthorpe and needing to chase an equaliser, the withdrawal of Josh Gordon doesn’t inspire much confidence in his fitness. Although Wes McDonald scored in that game he’s tending to blow hot and cold, with no reliable indication as to which Wes will turn up on the day. Oh, and because this game is being played in January we don’t know whether Scrimaldo will be available (the loan was reputed to be until the year end). All we can do is wait and see…
Prediction? No beating about the bush - if we can get at least one point from this one it could mark the start of a revival, say 1-1 with Elijah converting a pelanty (which would be a welcome change!!)
UTS
