2023 gets under way with an away game in Doncaster for the Blues.
Doncaster got back to winning ways with a 1-0 away win at Newport midway through December, but their subsequent away trip to Harrogate was one of many to fall foul of the weather.
Their return to action with the Boxing Day trip to Tranmere was not a happy one, with the home side bagging three goals to register a comfortable victory.
Thursday night's home meeting with Rochdale was a thriller, with the Dale pegging back an early two-goal deficit. The visitors levelled again after Harrison Biggins had re-established the lead, and it was left to Tom Anderson to claim the points with his first goal in over 14 months.
Doncaster had won three of their last five outings ahead of that game at Prenton Park, a run of results which had lifted them back into the upper half of the table.
One of the fancied teams at the start of the campaign, they parted company with Gray McSheffrey in October after a run of just seven points from eight games.
Ex-Huddersfield Town boss Danny Schofield was appointed on a one-year rolling contract a week later, with three wins since then to steady the ship.
A squad with some excellent individuals, it'll be no surprise if they pick things up and push on come the New Year.
George Miller has 11 goals from 24 games so far this season and is proving to be as reliable as ever.
He's a reliable outlet and can run the channels and hold things up.
He was our one to watch in October and nothing much has changed on that score.
Click HERE to purchase a match pass which will allow you to WATCH to this game via our streaming iFollow service.
With match commentary also provided by BBC Radio Cumbria, this is a fantastic way to follow your team, with audio coverage available for every game.
| Carlisle wins | Draws | Doncaster wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| League | 24 | 16 | 23 |
| Total | 25 | 16 | 24 |
It was a convincing 3-0 home victory for the Blues in October 2022. Callum Guy set the tone with a stunning goal on the stroke of half time and a brace from Jack Stretton sealed the deal after the break.
You can watch the highlights from that game here:
Doncaster were in Carlisle for FA Cup action in November 2020 and they secured progression to the second round thanks to two first half goals from Ben Whiteman. Jon Mellish got one back after the break, but the visitors held on to claim the win.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
It was just under four years before that FA Cup meeting that these sides had last met and it was United who ran out as winners here at Brunton Park. Nicky Adams set the Blues on their way in the first half, and Niall Mason put the ball into his own net to double the advantage with five minutes left to go. Tommy Rowe got a late consolation for the away side deep into time added on.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The visit to the Keepmoat earlier that season had seen the Blues battle their way to a 2-2 draw. Shaun Miller drew first blood, but Tommy Rowe and John Marquis struck to put Donny ahead heading into the break. The Cumbrians came out all guns firing and they got their reward when Jabo Ibehre levelled things up late in the day.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - Ben Speedie
Assistant Referee - Alan Clayton
Assistant Referee - Peter Gooch
Fourth Official - Darren Handley
Observer - Philip Joslin
Senior Observer - Clive Oliver
Our referee for this fixture is Mr Ben Speedie. He has taken charge of 19 games so far this season showing 81 yellow cards and three reds.
He had the whistle for our 2-0 away defeat at Stockport in October 2022. Fin Back and Jordan Gibson were booked that day.
We saw him here in Carlisle in October 2021 for what was a slog of a 0-0 draw. Obviously there were no goals, and there were also no names taken.
He was at Brunton Park for our 3-1 Football League Trophy defeat to Fleetwood at the beginning of September 2020. It was an eventful night for Gime Toure, who both scored and was sent off, but the group game points went to the Cod Army thanks to goals from Callum Camps and Harvey Saunders (2). Joe Riley also went into the book.
We have been allocated an initial 800 tickets for this fixture with over 3,000 available if needed.
Tickets for this game will go off sale at 4pm on Friday 30 December.
Click HERE for the full ticket office Christmas opening times.
Tickets are available on the day of the game and do not increase in price.
Ticket collections on the day will be from the Club Doncaster Academy reception from 2 hours prior to kick-off. This is located next to the away turnstiles.
Prices
Adult - £15
Junior 14 - 17 - £1
13 and under* - £1
* 13 and under must be accompanied.
Disabled information
Ambulant disabled supporters and wheelchair users pay the relevant price with the carer free of charge.
Doncaster Rovers have five accessible parking bays available to Carlisle United supporters at a cost of £5. You can purchase in advance from 10 days prior to the game by calling 01302 762 576 option 1.
Methods of purchase:
- In person – come to the main ticket office at the designated time.
- Phone – ring the ticket office 0330 0945 930 option 1 at the designated times and pay with a credit / debit card.
- Internet – buy online HERE.
+++++++
If you wish to purchase bus travel you can organise this by calling CUSAT on 07563 700 987.