PREVIEW: Shrewsbury

The Carabao Cup competition kicks off on Tuesday night with United heading to the Montgomery Waters Meadow for their first-round meeting with Shrewsbury Town.

These teams last met last season in the FA Cup (you can view the match highlights below) with Shrewsbury the victors on that occasion.

They started their campaign this time round with a goalless draw at Morecambe, with shots on target few and far between for both sides.

Saturday saw them host Accrington Stanley, and a tight game tipped in favour of the away team when defender Tom Flanagan was sent off just before the hour mark for a second bookable offence. Tommy Leigh made the one-man advantage count when he nicked the late winner.

United's very own Ryan Bowman reported in as fit and healthy for pre-season, having undergone surgery following a heart scare, and he played the full 90 minutes at the Mazuma to put to rest any doubts about his condition.

It was a busy summer with Coventry midfielder Jordan Shipley first to sign on the dotted line when he agreed a three-year deal.

Julian Dacosta also came in from the Sky Blues, this time on a loan deal, and Preston midfielder Tom Bayliss arrived the same day with a two-year contract.

Defender Chey Dunkley penned a two-year agreement when he left Sheffield Wednesday, and striker Aiden O'Brien joined for the same period as he said goodbye to Portsmouth.

Another season long loan was completed when defender Taylor Moore came in from Bistol City, and heading out of the door through June and July were Josh Vela, David Davis and Shaun Whalley.

We're going with Republic of Ireland international forward Aiden O'Brien for this game.

He netted five goals in 17 appearances during his time at Pompey. He's powerful and determined, and could be a real handful once settled in at his new home.

He began his career at Millwall and had loan spells at Hayes & Yeading, Aldershot, Torquay and Crawley before joining Sunderland in 2020.

Click HERE to purchase an audio match pass which will allow you to listen to this game via our streaming iFollow service.

With match commentary provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team through the season.

Match audio passes are available for ALL EFL league games - click HERE to find out more about this season’s iFollow United service.

A six-year gap of not facing each other was breached in December 2021 when the Salop headed north for a second-round FA Cup game with the Blues. Tom Bloxham and Ryan Bowman established a two-goal cushion but Jordan Gibson rattled nerves with a strike in time added on. The Shrews saw it through to secure their progression.

Watch the highlights from that game here:

The Shrews were at Brunton Park back in February 2015 prior to the FA Cup meeting above. It all appeared to be going to plan when Charlie Wyke put the home side ahead on 66 minutes, but football can be a cruel mistress sometimes. With game management completely chucked out of the window James Collins and Mickey Demetriou turned the game on its head as they both scored deep into time added on to win the game.

Watch the highlights from that game here:

Referee - Chris Pollard
Assistant Referee 1 - Adam Ricketts
Assistant Referee 2 - Jack Clench
Fourth Official - Grant Taylor
Observer - Steve Bratt

Our referee for this game is Mr Christopher Pollard. He has refereed two games so far this season showing eight yellow cards and no reds.

We've had him just once before, when he took charge of our 1-1 away draw at Grimsby. Matt Pollock gave the Mariners a first-half lead, only for that to be wiped out by one of the most amazing own goals we've ever had in our favour. Keeper James McKeown was the culprit. Nick Anderton was the only Carlisle name taken.

Tickets are available on the match day from Shrewsbury’s DMOS People Stand, with no increase in price.

Please be aware that this is a cash only ticket office (there are no cash machines near the stadium).

Dates of sale:

Prices:

Ambulant disabled and wheelchair Info:

Ambulant disabled and wheelchair supporters pay £5 with the carer free of charge.

There are 8 disabled car park spaces. To pre-book this service please contact Carlisle United ticket office.

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Methods of purchase:

• In person – come to the main ticket office at the designated time.
• Phone – ring the ticket office 03300 945 930 option 1 at the designated times and pay with a credit / debit card.
• Internet – buy online HERE.

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If you wish to purchase bus travel you can organise this by calling CUSAT on 07563 700 987.