BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Newport County

It has now been ten games in all competitions since Fortress Brunton Park was last breached and, with just one league defeat in eight outings this season, there’s a confident mood around the corridors of Brunton Park.

Manager Keith Curle promised commitment and passion for the Liverpool test and the near 6,000 strong Blue Army weren’t disappointed as they watched the lads stun the Kop into silence as they dug deep to take the tie to a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

“There is just one word for our supporters – phenomenal,” Curle said. “You don’t follow a club like Carlisle on a whim and a prayer. They were the voices we heard on Wednesday and I can’t stress enough that we need them again as we go into an important run of league fixtures.

“When our fans are behind us at our stadium it can be a very daunting place for visiting teams to come. We need that as we continue to put together the building blocks to what we hope will be a very enjoyable season.”

Remember, you can save £3 on match day prices by purchasing your ticket before 5pm on Friday. Pop down in person, call the ticket office on 0844 371 1921 or buy online and print at home by clicking HERE.

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We have to say a huge thank you to official team coach supplier Reays and Carlisle United Supporters’ Away Travel (CUSAT) for the efficient and no-nonsense manner in which they organised the transportation of a huge chunk of Cumbria to Merseyside this week.

A fantastic, smooth and trouble free journey was enjoyed by everyone who travelled with us by bus to Stanley Park.

Well done and thank you from everyone at the club!

Did you know that CUSAT run at least one bus to every away game? Give them a call on 07563 700 987 for more details.

For other travel options call Reays on 016973 49 999.

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When you’re following Carlisle United away from home this season, book yourself a ticket on Virgin Trains and get to the heart of the action in the fastest and most comfortable way possible.

  

A sneaky bit of advice ... to get the best value fares make sure you book in advance - but hurry as the lowest fares get snapped up early. Travelling off peak (avoid busy times like Friday evenings) and being flexible with your travel plans can also help you find the best deals available. 

If you are booking travel for an afternoon or evening game please be sure to double check the return journey time is suitable (some of the last services may depart before the final whistle goes!). 

BOOK NOW: http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/tickets-offers/

 to book.HERESeason ticket holders are entitled to 25% off ALL travel on the Virgin Trains network, click 

  

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A huge thank you goes to Heineken, our Match Ball Sponsors for the Newport County AFC game. 

Heineken have recently installed fast pouring pumps around the ground and the work on Ross’s Bar, over in the Pioneer Foods Stand, is now complete.

Bottles of Bulmers and Fosters will be available at Ross’s Bar at just £2.50 per 330ml bottle, and there will also be cans of John Smiths, Guinness, Fosters and Bulmers on sale from the bar throughout the afternoon. 

Our mascots on Saturday are Jake Winter and Aidan Aitken. Jake’s favourite player is Derek Asamoah and Aiden tells us that his Blue hero is Danny Grainger. 

Both lads are really looking forward to walking out with the teams ahead of kick off.

Have a good day lads!!

The man in the middle on Saturday afternoon is experienced official Mr Kevin Wright. Kevin has taken charge of seven games so far this season and has shown 21 yellow cards and one red. 

The last time we saw him was way back in February 2013 for our 1-1 League One home draw with MK Dons. Mark Beck bagged us a late equaliser and Sean O’Hanlon was the only United name taken on the day.

Our betting partner Sky Bet has some fantastic odds available on all match markets – click HERE for more details.

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The Carlisle United Family Zone was officially opened by first team manager Keith Curle and assistant manager Colin West ahead of the last home game (Dagenham) and the response has been fantastic to what is set to become an extremely popular facility. 

The Family Zone, housed in the Pioneer Foods Stand, provides a fantastic area where families can relax and enjoy pre-match activities in a safe and secure environment. Activities include FIFA 15 in the XBox Zone, Table Football and Pool in the Activity Zone, stickers and colouring in the Craft Zone and Mario Kart races in the Wii Zone. 

Finance director Suzanne Kidd said: “We need to thank everyone who helped this project come together once again. 

“A lot of people came together to make it a reality – Liam Briggs and Mark Bowman from Carlisle Council (safety and regualatory advice), McKnight Builders, Peter Tyson, Game, Atlas, Carlisle Glass, AST Signs, Argos, Tony Chilton (and his team of carpet fitters), Stuart Pattinson and our team of admin staff at the club – and each and every one of them went above and beyond what we asked them to do.”

Jackie Murray from the Cumberland Building Society said: “We really enjoyed the Family Zone. You have converted my boys because they can’t wait to go again.  Jamie had a sore throat after the match from shouting! It’s good to have a safe area where the kids can go and it was nice for them to meet some players, see Olga the Fox and play on table games and computer games.”

Amanda Glencross said: “We thoroughly enjoyed having use of the Family Zone. The kids loved it! There was plenty to do and they also got to talk and play with other kids in the area, which I thought was really nice. All in all the four of us had a lovely afternoon … and it was made even better by Carlisle winning!!

Claudia Young said: “My husband, father-in-law and children thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. My youngest son was so excited to meet the manager and get his autograph.  He has stuck his tickets and autograph in his scrapbook. Both my husband and father-in-law said they haven’t been to watch a match in a long time but the experience on Saturday has spurred them on to take the kids again.”

Family Zone ticket prices are £2 cheaper across the board – call 0844 371 1921 for more details! Obviously adults and seniors MUST be accompanied by a child or junior to qualify for the discount.