It is the big one: Cumbria vs Yorkshire, the Minstermen vs the Cumbrians, first vs third. It’s Carlisle United vs York City, and it’s a big one. A chance for redemption for the Blues but a chance to create a gap for York.
Weekend Talk
Before we get into the game on Wednesday night, let’s have a small look back on the weekend. The team headed back up the M6 feeling rather blue.
A dismal first half would see Carlisle two-one down to Solihull Moors, and just like Bonnie Tyler, the Blues were holding out for a hero, and up stepped the bald Irish hero Georgie Kelly.
Two more goals for himself in the second half in five minutes would see him grab his first hat-trick for Carlisle since signing, but the second half wouldn’t end in glory; a last-minute goal by Scott High would see the Moors manage to grab a point.
Certainly, a game of two halves.
How are Both Teams Doing?
Carlisle United: Hughes will of course be hoping for redemption against the Minstermen this Wednesday. A chance to go top and send a real message to the rest of the league. A big fixture list is coming up, and this is most likely the biggest one.
Regan Linney, who has one goal in 14 in the league, will be hoping to fire back to the first few run of games, and with Kelly’s hat trick on Saturday, it might just motivate him to score himself.
As for the rest of the team, we can only hope that Mark can get them motivated or maybe sign someone.
I’d personally like to see Bevis put in for Hayden. Not to be obviously harsh on Arron, but his performances seem to be getting worse week over week. I’m also half-minded with Breeze; his disastrous performance on Saturday is making me wonder if Lewis should be chucked in, but I think I’ll let you lot decide on that front.
York City: Stuart Maynard’s men are in another dimension when it comes to scoring goals in this league. 66 goals in 26 matches for them, with Ollie Pearce firing 23 goals in, an average of two point five a match for the Minsterman.
Twelve games unbeaten for Stuart’s men in all competitions. York, of course, are the favourites, no doubt. Maynard is producing a well-oiled side with not much to criticise, with a striker ripping up the division, a strong midfield and a well-sorted defence. They are certainly sucking on diesel.
Previous Meeting
Well, what do you want me to say? An absolutely dismal performance last time for the Blues would see York net five at home. One can only hope lessons have been learnt and this team is capable of moving up a few gears, which, let’s be honest, it’s questionable if they can.
My prediction is once again a bit on the fence: either a one-all draw or a disastrous night for the Blues and an absolute thumping. But it’s safe to say, judging from the weekend’s reaction, some fans will be having serious talks about whether or not they think Mark is the man to take us up if we lose, of course.
Blues News and Arrivals and Departures
As it’s still January, obviously, we’ll be continuing our Arrivals and Departures section in our weekly round-up of Blues News.
Arrivals
Nothing, nowt, zilch, nichts, sod all.
Departures
Nowt, zilch, nichts, niente.
Blues News
Absolutely nothing to report.
The attendance from the weekend was 1956 (720 away) – well onto all that travelled.
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James Denwood
Writer covering Carlisle United and the National League