A few weeks ago this would have seemed like a nice easy Tuesday night three point game. With a new manager and a sniff of survival Carlisle are going to be well up for this and will probably see it as the perfect time to be playing a side that’s running on empty.
For me this is the moment where we simply have to stop the rot because our big lead over the chasing pack is all but gone.
I honestly expect us to lose but I’m hoping to Christ that I’m wrong.
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Encouraging that the concensus is that Stirk needs dropping.
Neither a ball winner or creative midfielder.
Simkin,
Dave, Williams, Allen
Barrett, Jellis, Stirk, Lakin, Liam
Matt, Harrison (DJ*)
This would be my team for tomorrow; re-establishing the midfield three who have delivered so much this season, but* would not be averse to seeing DJ alongside Matt. I’d also keep Barrett in place - I’m not sure he’s earned all of the criticism he’s been getting from a few.
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Exactly this! Our form over the last 5-6 weeks has been very similar to the previous 6 seasons of huff and puff, pretty aimless football. It’s not just Lowe going, it’s more fundamental than that. The team has lost its spark: we need to bring in a couple of fresh players, and be more dynamic. My team for tomorrow night would be:
Simkin - Barrett - Dave, Williams, Allen - Gordon - Jellis, Stirk, Laikin - Jamma, DJ
Subs: Hornby - Weir, Adomah, McEntee, Chang, Harrison, Wheatley.
We need to treat this like a cup final. Anything less than 3 points is not acceptable.
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Delighted to hear we won’t be underestimating Carlisle United, they are fighting for their lives and have better players than their league position would suggest. This will be an incredibly tough game.
Away fans are housed on one side of the Pioneer (East) Stand (towards the Waterworks End) where around 2,000 fans can be accommodated. This all-seated, covered stand is located at one side of the pitch and the view of the playing area is fantastic. For larger games then the Waterworks End can also be used for away supporters.
The Carlisle Rugby Club next to Brunton Park on Warwick Road has a club bar which allows in well behaved and quiet away spectators and is family-friendly. Other pubs where on request away spectators may be admitted to include The Beehive, a quite superb classic sports pub featuring a big menu of global favourites. Another pub in the vicinity is The Woodrow Wilson, a perennial away day favourite JD Wetherspoons outlet that has been given plenty of favourable reviews for its range of drinks, pricing and general ambience and atmosphere inside. The St Nicholas Arms may be as immediately popular but is another option, a traditional local pub recently modernised with a contemporary decor. Away spectators are strongly advised to keep club colours covered in and around the vicinity of the arena as a mark of respect to home supporters who although generally welcoming to visitors should not be antagonised.
On the concourse, food on offer includes a selection of classic and modern pies (from £4.95), American style burgers (£4.20 without cheese or £4.90 inc cheese), hot dogs (from £4) and sausage rolls (£3.65) . Alcohol is served before kick off and at half time on request.
1 Like
I’d like to see Weir given a run of games, with Allen utilised as the Lakin alternative on the left side of midfield. Sadler has done this on a couple of brief occasions already but with midfield options being light and Weir having some excellent cameos, I’m surprised it’s not happened more.
I’f I had my way I’d go for the following:
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Stirk
Then have seven Stirk’s on the bench and watch the melt down from one tiny corner of UTS 
11 Likes
Just out of interest and in no way meant to have a knock at your post, what is wrong with Lakin all of a sudden?
I’m not saying he is suddenly going to right everything that has been wrong, but I don’t think he has done a lot wrong.
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With that team, you’ll be driving a certain poster Stirk raving bonkers
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We all dream of a team of Ryan Stirk’s.
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Alas for one I think it would be a nightmare 
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I know a few who are going, you can be assured it will be requested.
‘The Waterworks End’. Isn’t that also known as Scotland?
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Absolutely nothing, if fit I’d start Lakin every time. I’m suggesting using Allen to replace Earing’s role in helping to keep Lakin fresh. I think the loss of Earing and Hall has actually been almost as big as the loss of Lowe, and I feel like Allen in midfield could offer us something different going forward.
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The statistics do show that we have reverted to our long term mean in this division since Nathan Lowe left:
Combined Statistics (2019-2020 to 2024-2025)
- Total Matches Played: 234
- Total Wins: 87 = 37.18%
- Total Draws: 68 = 29.06%
- Total Defeats: 79 = 33.76%
- Total Goals For: 268 = 1.15 goals for per game
- Total Goals Against: 266 = 1.14 goals against per game
- Total Points: 334 = 1.43 points per game
Since Nathan Lowe left:
Played 10
Won 3 = 30%
Draw 3 = 30%
Lost 4 = 40%
Goals For 14 = 1.4 goals for per game
Goals Against 16 = 1.6 goals against per game.
Points 12 = 1.2 points per game
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He’d go Stirk-crazy!!
Not sure if you went to the last few games, but he 100% deserves the critisism.
Last 9 games:
Bradford 6.2; Fleetwood 6.1; Salford 6.5; Colchester 6.4; Gillihngham 7; C’Field 6.4; Morc 6.3; Chelt 6.1; Swindon 6.2
He is, by far, our worst player since Jan.
I know i go on about him a lot, but hes not effective going forward and were conceeding a lot from the right - both goals Vs Chesterfield AND Swindons goal came in from his side.
Dont get me wrong, he is a very good player - from Sep till Dec he was un-droppable. I just think we have his twin playing atm.
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He’s been pap for a while…Comley ain’t no better either.
Take care tomorrow.