The Blues meet the Bluebirds on their own turf on Saturday with both sides looking to take the bragging rights.
The History:
When these sides met at Brunton Park in October 2020, it was the first coming together in the league for some 56 years.
And there was all sorts going on at the top of Division Four in April 1964 - in fact, things were so tight that five teams, Carlisle amongst them, were neck-and-neck for the right to take one of the four promotion spots, with the title also still up for grabs.
Things were a little bit more academic at the other end. A system of re-election was still in place, but the Bluebirds were doing everything they could to avoid bottom spot.
In the end Carlisle held their nerve, finishing second behind Gilingham despite having recorded a whopping 113 league goals.
Unfortunately a run of poor results, particularly at home, meant that Barrow did indeed pick up the dreaded wooden spoon.
This, of course, is the first game for Carlisle fans at Holker Street since their return to the football league (with the 2020/21 campaign subject to lock-outs due to the pandemic).
Just one win in 11 league games saw the Bluebirds drop down the table ahead of their trip to Scunthorpe on Tuesday night.
Five of the seven games prior to the midweek fixture had been draws, which made it frustrating as opportunities missed led to points abeing allowed to slip away.
Goals have been difficult to come by in recent weeks, but John Rooney added another to his tally when he netted the winner in the midweek game against the Iron.
There are plenty of familiar faces in the Barrow ranks and it will be nice to see Patrick Brough, Connor Brown, Paul Farman, Mike Jones, Tom White and Ozzy Zanzala again.
Our one to watch is John Rooney, who returned to Holker Street for a second spell during the January transfer window.
He's notched three goals in nine games and brings craft to the forward looking areas of the team.
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| Carlisle wins | Draws | Barrow wins | |
| League | 23 | 18 | 18 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 24 | 18 | 21 |
It was 0-0 at Brunton Park in November 2021 with neither side able to break the deadlock in a tight encounter.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
That historic first meeting in 56 years in October 2020 went the way of Carlisle as Jon Mellish gave the Blues a 1-0 lead with 24 minutes on the clock. Aaron Hayden was given his marching orders early in the second half, but the 10-men held on to claim the win.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The return fixture at Holker Street in April 21 ended as a 2-2 draw. Jack Armer gave the visitors an early lead, but Scott Quigley and Patrick Brough had the hosts ahead before the break. Ozzy Zanzala levelled things up from the spot on 79 minutes.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Referee - Robert Madley
Assistant Referee 1 - Johnathon Bickerdike
Assistant Referee 2 - Matthew Parry
Fourth Official - Andy Haines
Observer - Mick Brown
Our referee for this game is Mr Robert Madley. He has taken charge of 30 games so far this season, showing 107 yellows and four reds.
He was at Brunton Park in August 2021 for our 1-1 home draw with Leyton Orient. Tristan Abrahams put us ahead with an eighth minute penalty, but Harry Smith equalised after the break. There were no Carlisle names taken on the day.
There was plenty going on when Robert was in charge of Football League Trophy game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in October 2020, but it was a game that was allowed to flow with no bookings shown for either side.
Lewis Alessandra and Mackems fan Jon Mellish (2) scored the United goals, but the hosts won 5-3 as they netted through Chris Maguire (2), Denver Hume, Charlie Wyke and Jack Diamond.
Tickets for visiting fans have SOLD OUT for this fixture.
Please do not travel to the stadium if you are not in possession of a valid match ticket.