Barrow v Carlisle United, Saturday 22 April, kick off 3pm
The History (we tend just to leave this bit in):
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.
Barrow suffered a frustrating 1-0 away defeat at Grimsby on Tuesday night and, with three games left to play and a seven-point gap to the play-off places, it probably means that their hopes of being involved beyond the last scheduled fixture at the beginning of May are all-but over.
It's been a good season, and there was a real signal of intent back in the January transfer window when Fleetwood striker Ged Garner was signed on a two-and-a-half-year contract for a club-record transfer free, which remains undisclosed.
Liverpool-born Garner, 24, scored 11 goals in 60 games during his time with Fleetwood. He's played 13 games for his new club and opened his account for them in the 4-0 home drubbing of Crawley on Easter Monday.
Saturday's hosts are unbeaten in six at home and will be looking for a response to the 5-1 defeat they suffered at Brunton Park at the end of January.
Only eight draws this term - the second lowest in the division - suggests we'll get a result one way or the other and we're going with the reliable Josh Kay as the one to watch.
He has six goals from his 35 appearances in all compeititons this season and will give the back line a real test with his positive approach.
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| Carlisle wins | Draws | Barrow wins | |
| League | 25 | 18 | 18 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 26 | 18 | 22 |
Carlisle started to stamp their authority on matters just ahead of the break at Brunton Park in January 2023. Jon Mellish got his first of two goals from the day on the stroke of half time, and Joe Garner pounced to notch not long after the second period had started. Omari Patrick made it four, but the visitors were given a consolation courtesy of a Ben Barclay own goal. Kris Dennis completed the scoring for the afternoon from the spot.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
The Papa Johns Trophy group game meeting in October 2022 went the way of the home side with Sam Foley and Josh Kay netting the second half goals.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
Carlisle notched a good 2-1 away win at Holker Street in March 2022, with Jordan Gibson and Kris Dennis on the scoresheet. Ollie Banks pulled one back to make it an interesting ending, but United saw it through to the three points.
Watch the highlights from that game here:
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 - James Bell
Assistant Referee 1 - Philip Dermott
Assistant Referee 2 - Mark Dwyer
Fourth Official - Martin Woods
Observer - Gary Kellett
Our referee for this game is Mr James Bell.
He's taken charge of 15 games so far this season and has shown 51 yellows and three reds.
He was our referee in May 2022 when we went to Bradford for the final game of that season. Lee Angol and Jamie Walker scored the goals in a 2-0 home win and Jack Armer, Brennan Dickenson, Tyrese Omotoye and
James was with us for our dramatic 2-1 win over Northampton in March 2022. Tobi Sho-Silva gave us the lead, but the Cobblers scored late through Paul Lewis to burst the bubble - or so it seemed. A cool head from Jordan Gibson saw him smash an injury time penalty into the back of the net. Joe Riley was the only United name taken on the day.
He was at Brunton Park in November 2021 for the 1-1 Papa John's draw with Lincoln. Jack Armer scored the goal, and the Blues won on penalties to claim the bonus point. Callum Guy and Jon Mellish were booked for the hosts.
Papa John's Trophy group action brought Mr Bell north again in August 2021 for a goal-filled 3-3 encounter with Hartlepool. Taylor Charters, Manny Mampala and Tristan Abrahams scored the goals, and the Blues eventually won the shoot-out 4-3. Mampala was our only booking of the night.
Mr Bell was the referee for our home game against Leyton Orient in March 2021. The O's nicked it with a late Connor Wilkinson goal, and there were no home names recorded on the day.
He was our official for the away game at Port Vale in October 2020. Jon Mellish scored the winner and Lewis Alessandra was the only name taken on the day.
In the National League last season, he was the man in the middle for the August play-off final between Harrogate Town and Notts County prior to his pormotion to the league list.
All away tickets for this fixture have been sold.
Please do not travel on the day - access to the home areas of the stadium will not be permitted.