Please note that away supporters will not be able to purchase tickets in person from the Ticket Office. Supporters are strongly advised to purchase their tickets in advance through TicketCo: https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/solihull_moors_v_kidderminster_harriers2627/cf412f25-4b39-42a4-aeef-f9c7b09c56d3 E-tickets will remain available online until 2:30PM on the day. Supporters who are unable to purchase online can book in advance by emailing the ticket office at ticketing@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk
Solihull Moors Academy travel to face Walsall in the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening. The tie will take place at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Thursday 29th October, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm. Ticket Prices Adults: £5 Concessions: £1 Tickets are available online through Walsall’s e-ticketing site and will remain on sale until the day of the game. Supporters will also be able to purchase tickets at the turnstiles on arrival. Moors supporters should purchase tickets in blocks Q and R of the Pallet-Track Stand. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Walsall’s Ticket Office on 01922 651 416 or by visiting the Ticket Office inside the Club Shop. Get behind the young Moors under the lights as they look to secure their place in the Second Round! 💛💙
Solihull Moors fell to a 2-1 defeat to Carlisle at Damson Park, as Rob Elliott's Cumbrian side staged an impressive comeback on the road. Written by Scott Cattell New loan signing Sam Johnson started in goal for The Moors, coming in for Nat Ford. Ryan Woods returned to the midfield, replacing Joe Sbarra in the starting lineup. It was another game that just wasn't to be for Solihull. Despite going in a goal ahead at the break through Ben Wodskou's thunderous strike, a gritty, resolute performance was undone with goals from Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye in the last 20 minutes. First half It was a fairly even start to the game, with both teams struggling to deal with the horrendous weather conditions. In Carlisle's first decent attack, Alex Whitmore slid in to block a stinging shot from outside the box, Junior Tiensia then stopped the resulting cross, and cleared the danger. Coming up to the 10-minute mark, there was a bit of momentum building for The Moors, and as Jamie Andrews battled to win the ball back, Wakeling was set free down the right and won our first corner of the game. Marvin Johnson swung it in and almost caught out visiting goalkeeper Adam Desbois, who did well to follow the flight of the ball in the swirling wind. Shortly after, Ben Wodskou turned well in the box and saw a snapshot deflected for another corner as The Moors began to dominate. Carlisle then had a couple of attacks and corners of their own, with both attempts going harmlessly over the bar. Teddy Jenks nodded over Leo Duru's cross with the best of their chances, but the game remained goalless as Sam Johnson's goal was never under any serious threat. A nice Solihull move then ended up with Johnson been put through on the left, but his low drive was comfortably saved by Desbois. At the other end, Tiensia did well to prevent a cross into the box, deflecting the ball out for a corner. The whipped set-piece narrowly bypassed everyone in the box as Carlisle threatened to score the opener. Micah Obiero broke through for the away side following a lovely through ball from Jenks, as he rounded Johnson, the keeper did just enough to slow him down, and the shot rolled across the goalmouth, before been cleared for a corner by the covering Jevon Mills. The following corner was met with a thumping header by Tyler French to clear, as Solihull's defence held firm. Johnson, popping up on the right wing, then struck a powerful effort towards goal from the corner of the box, but was met by a terrific diving block, before Carlisle broke and came within inches of scoring. Former Moors midfielder Callum Whelan cut onto his right foot and clipped a great effort onto the outside of the post from 20 yards out. GOAL - 45+3' Moors. With the last action of the first half, Jacob Wakeling won a free-kick when he was bundled over 25 yards out. Johnson took the set-piece, curled towards the far post, and the ball was half cleared...but only to Ben Wodskou who absolutely rifled into back of the net with his left foot from the tightest of angles. Terrific finish from the Solihull striker! 1-0 Half time score - Solihull Moors 1-0 Carlisle Second half Similarly to the first half, it was another even start to the second period. The first Carlisle attack saw Regan Linney lash over after bursting down the left and finding himself in space. Linney was again involved with some good work on the left, before the ball was crossed into the box and kept alive at the back post by an outstretched attacker, but Johnson gathered the easily. Away keeper Desbois came racing out to deny Wodskou, who was inches away from latching onto the end of a through ball that looked threatening. Moors goalie Johnson then had to be switched on to come sliding out and collect, as Carlisle ramped up the pressure. Harvey Bunker then had a long-range effort deflected into the arms of Johnson. Mills produced another fantastic block when Carlisle looked like scoring the equaliser, and shortly after, not to be outdone, Whitmore produced a sliding block of his own to put the ball out for a corner to the visitors. Obiero then struck a tame effort at Johnson from around 20 yards as Carlisle ramped up the intensity. Wodskou won his side a free-kick in a good position, following more great hold-up play. The ball was whipped in and just evaded Whitmore who was attempting to come in at the back post, while been pulled all over the place by a defender. Manager Chris Millington made his first change of the game, bringing on Oscar Rutherford for Marvin Johnson. GOAL - 69' Carlisle. Miguel Azeez struck an effort on goal from outside the box, that landed at the feet of Morgan Feeney, via a deflection, and the Carlisle Captain stroked the ball past Sam Johnson to equalise for his side. 1-1 In response to the equaliser, Joe Sbarra came on for Ryan Woods, who added another great game to his impressive loan spell. The experience midfielder was again a calm, composed figure in the wet and blustery conditions. Carlisle, buoyed by the equaliser, were having their best spell of the game, and a good ball into the box was just too high for David Ajiboye, who glanced a header wide at full stretch. Mills, having an outstanding game, blocked another goalbound effort from Ajeboye, before Rutherford cleared Goal - 77' Carlisle. This time, Ajiboye wasn't to be denied, side-footing a volley towards Johnson, but the power on the shot beat The Moors keeper and just like that, the Cumbrian's had turned the game on its head. 1-2. Florent Hoti and Elias Kachunga came on for High and Wodskou as Solihull looked for a way back into the game. Tyler French had a glorious chance late on, when he hooked a close range effort agonisingly wide from a corner, when it looked as if the ball would end up in the back of the net. Into the final 5 minutes, French was back in his own box, this time reading the danger brilliantly and clearing off the line to prevent a third Carlisle goal. Kuchunga almost got through on goal when he tried to get onto the end of a flick-on from Wakeling in the first of 4 added minutes of injury time, but that was the last of the chances for The Moors, as Rob Elliott's side saw out the win. Final score - Solihull Moors 1-2 Carlisle In the end it was a bitter defeat in cold, wet and windy conditions after going a goal ahead and looking like taking something away from the game. The defence in particular made numerous crucial blocks, dominated the majority of aerial duels and made several clearances against a strong Carlisle side. We have a quick turnaround now as we gear up for two more National league fixtures next week. Attendance - 1206 (585 away) Thank you as always Moors fans, for the continued loyalty and support. We hope you have a safe journey home, and we'll see you soon. COYM! 💛💙 Sponsors man of the match - Ben Wodskou Next up We travel to Wealdstone in the National League on Tuesday 27th October, with a kick-off time of 19:45. To secure your coach seat for the Wealdstone match, please visit the link below - https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/wealdstone_away_coach_travel_2627?version=m On the 31st October, we return to Damson Park for more National League action as we host Kidderminster on Halloween. Kick-off is 15:00. Tickets for this fixture can be purchaced by clicking the link below- https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/solihull_moors_v_kidderminster_harriers2627/b0cb74d9-9ef4-4906-8be0-8a11821c1e46?version=m
Solihull Moors will be looking to pick up an important three points in midweek, as they travel to Wealdstone on Tuesday evening. The Moors were beaten 2-1 by Carlisle United at the weekend, whilst Wealdstone picked up three points in a 1-0 win at Aldershot Town. Andy’s Bet Club also publishes free football tips each week, all backed with expert insight and research. Match Preview Solihull Moors lost 2-1 at home to Carlisle United on 24 October. Ben Wodskou gave them the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Carlisle United came back through Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye after the break. The visitors created chances worth 1.76 xG, a measure of how likely each shot was to be scored, against 0.70 for Solihull Moors. Wealdstone won 1-0 at Aldershot Town on the same afternoon, with Olufela Olomola heading in two minutes into the second half. The chances backed up the result. Wealdstone finished on 2.06 expected goals to Aldershot Town’s 0.92, and the home side did not put a single shot on target. Solihull Moors Form Guide Carlisle United had 63% of possession, and Solihull Moors found it hard to get into dangerous areas. Ben Wodskou’s goal was one of only two Solihull Moors shots on target, and the side did not record a deep completion, a pass received within 20 metres of the opponent’s goal. Without the ball, the centre-backs held up well. Jevon Mills made 13 interceptions and blocked three shots, while Alex Whitmore blocked three more and led the side with 17 recoveries. Neither of them lost an aerial duel all game. Tyler French had the clearest chance to draw level, an effort after a corner on 83 minutes worth 0.51 expected goals that went wide. In midfield, Jamie Andrews was involved in 27 duels and won 15 of them, the most of any Solihull Moors player in that part of the pitch. Wealdstone Form Guide Wealdstone started in a 3-5-2 at Aldershot Town and changed shape three times, finishing in a 5-4-1 for the last nine minutes. Olufela Olomola’s winner was a header after a corner, with Henry credited with the assist. Most of their danger came before the break, when they built up 1.32 xG. Luke Norris accounted for 1.02 of that on his own and finished with six shots, two of them on target. Ronan Maher was the standout on the right-hand side. He completed ten of his 11 dribbles, won 13 of his 17 duels on the ball and set up four shots for teammates. At the back, Dion Conroy blocked three shots and made 19 recoveries, and goalkeeper Sam Long was not asked to make a single save. Wealdstone v Solihull Moors Key Duels Wealdstone’s right flank looks like the area where this game could be decided. Ronan Maher completed all five of his dribbles against Ollie Harfield and all five against Brody Peart at Aldershot Town, and he attempted 11 crosses, finding a teammate with four of them. That puts the focus on the Solihull Moors left side. Junior Tiensia won six of his nine defensive duels against Carlisle United, though he won only one of six ground duels with Leonard Duru, a wing-back who also likes to get forward. In the air, Wealdstone won 21 of their 34 aerial duels at Aldershot Town, with Luke Norris contesting eight and Olufela Olomola seven. Alex Whitmore and Jevon Mills, who won seven and five aerial duels respectively against Carlisle United without losing one, are likely to face plenty of that. Conclusion There were plenty of signs of encouragement that Solihull Moors can take from their narrow defeat to Carlisle United. Wealdstone head into this game with momentum, having beaten Aldershot Town away from home last time out, although they’re still struggling at the wrong end of the National League table. A win for Solihull Moors could draw them level on points with Scunthorpe United, providing other results go their way this week. Andy’s Bet Club is the UK’s most popular betting tips site. ABC provides free bets, bookmaker offers for new and existing customers and daily betting tips. It covers football, horse racing and more, with match and competition centres that help bettors find value before they bet.
Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnson on loan from FC Halifax Town until January 3rd. The commanding 6’7” goalkeeper is Halifax’s longest-serving player, having first represented the Shaymen on loan during the 2015/16 season. Johnson formed part of the Halifax side that lifted the FA Trophy that season before returning for a second loan spell in 2017. Following his release from Port Vale in May 2017, he made the move to the Shay permanent and has since amassed more than 400 league appearances. The goalkeeper began his career within Stoke City’s youth system before joining Port Vale in 2007. He went on to make 22 league appearances for the Valiants and also gained experience during loan spells with Stafford Rangers, Alfreton Town and Gateshead. First-Team Manager Chris Millington said: “Sam brings a huge amount of experience at this level and gives us real strength in the goalkeeping department. He has been a consistent performer for Halifax for many years, and his presence and character will be a valuable addition to the group. “We’re delighted to welcome him to the Club and look forward to working with him during his time with us.” Welcome to the Moors, Sam! 💛💙
Solihull Moors are delighted to welcome MAN Commercial Protection as our official Match Ball Sponsors for tomorrow’s Enterprise National League fixture against Carlisle United at Damson Park. Based in Solihull, MAN Commercial Protection are a leading security services provider, delivering professional security solutions to businesses and organisations across the UK. With a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism and customer service, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including security guarding, concierge services, CCTV monitoring, keyholding and large-scale event security. With extensive experience across the security industry, MAN Commercial Protection work closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions that meet their individual requirements, ensuring the highest standards of safety and security. MAN Commercial Protection's relationship with Solihull Moors extends far beyond matchday sponsorship. As part of an established three-year partnership, the company provides security services across the Club's home fixtures, supporting the safe and enjoyable matchday experience for supporters, staff and visitors alike. With shared values centred around community, professionalism and long-term relationships, the partnership continues to strengthen both on and off the pitch. Solihull Moors would like to thank everyone at MAN Commercial Protection for their continued support and look forward to welcoming them to Damson Park for tomorrow's fixture against Carlisle United. 🔗 Find out more about MAN Commercial Protection and their services here: https://www.mancommercialprotection.co.uk/
Solihull Moors are delighted to announce that Club sponsor Living Well Consortium , part of the Living Well UK charity, has moved into Werqwise, the co-working space based here at Damson Park. The move marks an exciting new chapter in the partnership between Living Well, Solihull Moors and Werqwise, bringing together organisations with a shared commitment to community, connection and wellbeing. Living Well Consortium provides free mental health and wellbeing support across Birmingham and Solihull, working through its network of voluntary and community organisations to connect people with NHS Talking Therapies, counselling and wider community-based wellbeing services. Ben Howells, CEO of Living Well Consortium , previously shared the importance of this partnership: " This partnership means more to us than front-of-shirt visibility. As an organisation delivering free mental health support across Birmingham and Solihull, we believe deeply in the power of sport to bring communities together, support wellbeing, and create real, lasting impact for local people." Werqwise provides flexible co-working and office space within the stadium, offering individuals and businesses a professional and collaborative environment in which to work and connect. To find out more about Werqwise or enquire about booking a space, please email Cheryl@alytech.co.uk . By way of welcome, Living Well Consortium have hosted this week's Moors Lotto draw at Werqwise where the jackpot was £5,800! The Moors Lotto helps raise funds to support the Club. The jackpot has once again rolled over and is therefore up to £5,900! For your chance to win next week’s draw, please play the Lotto here: https://solihullmoorsfc.clubforce.com/ Welcome to Werqwise, Living Well Consortium!
Matchday Entry - please see the reminder below re admission for all home games: Junior Tickets 15-year-olds and under must be accompanied by a full-paying adult on the day of the match; otherwise, U16 ticket holders may be refused entry to the venue: turning up to the match without a full-paying adult is a safeguarding issue. Young Supporter Matchday Prices The following prices will be available for all home National League fixtures during the 2026/27 season: Under-12s: £1 with a paying adult Ages 12-15: £7.50 with a paying adult Ages 16-24: £11 All supporters wishing to purchase a ticket in one of these age categories must register for the Club’s free Young Supporters Membership Scheme. If you're aged 16 or 17, you need to be part of the Young Supporters Scheme to enter the stadium on your own; otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium unaccompanied. SAFEGUARDING RE ADMISSION: Note for reference, those supporters aged 15 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult to enter the ground, i.e. the individual must be 16 or over. Matchday Entry Supporters must present their valid membership card when entering Damson Park using a young supporter ticket. Under-12s and ages 12–15 must enter through Turnstiles 1 or 2 alongside their parent or guardian. Supporters aged 16–24 must enter through Turnstile 3. Under-16s must attend with a responsible adult (at a ratio of 2 children per one adult) and will not be permitted to enter the stadium unaccompanied. Any more than two children per one adult, please email ticketing@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk in advance to organise this request. To find out more about the admission & Young Supporters Membership: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/solihull-moors-reduces-matchday-ticket-prices-for-young-supporters Carer's Tickets For any carer's tickets, please email ticketing@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk
Solihull Moors will be looking to pick up three much-needed points when they take on Carlisle United on Saturday. Andy’s Bet Club experts are on hand to preview the game, as they will throughout the 2026/27 season. Their site is packed with free football tips , updated daily with expert insight. Match Preview Solihull Moors return home after a 5-0 defeat at Worthing on 10 October in their most recent National League game, in which three goals went in between the 28th and 40th minutes. Worthing created chances worth 2.48 xG, a measure of how likely each shot was to be scored, against 0.97 for Solihull Moors. Carlisle United’s most recent outing in the National League ended goalless at home to Kidderminster Harriers on the same afternoon, although the balance of play leaned heavily their way. Carlisle United had 16 shots to Kidderminster Harriers’ six and built up 2.30 xG to 0.68. Jack Wint in the Kidderminster Harriers goal also saved a stoppage-time penalty from Regan Linney. Solihull Moors Form Guide The first half at Worthing was where the game got away for the Moors. They had 32% of the ball before the break, and Worthing scored through Corey Adjetey-Brew, Razzaq Coleman and Ricky Aguiar in a 12-minute spell. Max Metcalfe faced four shots on target in that half and was replaced by Nathaniel Ford at the interval, when the side also switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-1-2. After the change, Solihull Moors held 52% of possession and Ben Wodskou forced a save from Seymour on 51 minutes. Worthing added further goals through Corey Adjetey-Brew on 70 minutes and Dominic Hutchinson in stoppage time. There were individual positives in midfield for the Moors though, with Jamie Andrews making 19 recoveries, and ten of those were in the Worthing half. Carlisle United Form Guide Carlisle United lined up in a 3-5-2 against Kidderminster Harriers and had 59% of the possession. Their PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) was 5.9, meaning they made a challenge or interception roughly once for every six Kidderminster Harriers passes. Kidderminster Harriers did not have a shot on target all game, so Adam Desbois was not asked to make a save. Regan Linney was the main source of danger, with four shots, three of them on target, adding up to 1.04 xG. The largest part of that came from the penalty that Kidderminster’s Jack Wint saved in the second half stoppage time. Set pieces gave Carlisle United another route. They won nine corners, and Micah Obiero’s header from one of them in the 73rd minute was worth 0.28 xG. Solihull Moors v Carlisle United Key Duels Carlisle United’s right flank looks the busiest area of the pitch. Leonard Duru won 17 of his 26 duels against Kidderminster Harriers, including ten of 15 while carrying the ball, and set up three shots for teammates from right wing-back. On that side for Solihull Moors at Worthing, Matty Carson won eight of his 13 duels before being replaced at half-time. Marvin Johnson then took up the left side of the 3-4-1-2 and was the most active crosser there, finding a teammate with two of his five crosses. Alex Whitmore won ten of his 12 defensive duels at Worthing, the best return in the Solihull Moors back line. That matters against a Carlisle United forward line in which Regan Linney had four shots and David Ajiboye three. Further up the pitch, Jacob Wakeling was involved in 37 duels, more than any other Solihull Moors player, and won 14 of them. Conclusion Both of these teams have endured frustrating starts to the 2026/27 season, and will be looking to kickstart it with a positive result at Damson Park. Andy’s Bet Club is the UK’s most popular betting tips site. ABC curates free bets , bookmaker offers for new and existing customers and daily betting tips. It covers football, horse racing and more, with match and competition centres that help bettors find value before they bet.
Chris Millington and his Solihull Moors side will resume their 2026/27 Enterprise National League campaign by welcoming a Carlisle United side, led by former Newcastle Goalkeeper Rob Elliot, to Damson Park on Saturday afternoon. The Moors will know that a win would see them climb the table and take a significant step closer to leaving the drop zone. The Cumbrians are regularly members of the English Football League, but they have found themselves in the fifth tier in recent years, and this year manager Elliot will be looking to get them back to League Two on their second attempt. They know that a win for them could lift them into the top ten. Last time out, Carlisle secured themselves a place in the First Round Proper of this season’s FA Cup after beating Tamworth 2 – 1 at Brunton Park thanks to a brace from forward Regan Linney on the day. As for their most recent National League game, they drew 0 – 0 with Kidderminster Harriers at home. This club has a significant amount of history, with the Cumbrian outfit originally being known as Shaddongate United FC, which was first reported all the way back in 1896 when they won that year’s Carlisle Association Charity Shield at Willow Holme. There were other clubs such as Carlisle Red Rose and Carlisle AFC, with the latter folding in 1899. The new club were gaining momentum, and they had overtaken the aforementioned Carlisle Red Rose by 1903, but by 1906 Red Rose themselves had folded, leaving the club now known as Carlisle United on their own. It was during an annual general meeting at Shaddongate United on 17 th May 1904 that the club was renamed Carlisle United, which has continued to this very day. Interestingly, there were defectors who did try to carry on the name of Shaddongate United Football Club, but they soon disappeared from prominence. Carlisle United’s first-ever Saturday match saw them take on Hexham back on 3 rd September 1904, where they won 3 – 1. And, in the following season, they made their debut in the English FA Cup, eventually losing to the then top side in Cumberland, Workington, 3 – 1 in a replay after drawing 2 – 2 with them in the original game. In 1905, they did compete in friendlies against the likes of Accrington, Darlington, and current Premier League outfit Newcastle United. They also managed to persuade Glasgow Rangers to play them as well on Good Friday that very same year in 1905, with the Gers coming away with what was a narrow 2 – 1 win at Warwick Road in front of a significant crowd of 3,000 overall. We know fast forward to 4 th June 1928, which became a significant date in the history of Carlisle United. On this day, a delegation from the club was bidding for the club’s admission into the English Football League, which had only been founded back in 1888. They were able to succeed in their attempt after receiving 33 votes, the second most, replacing Durham City, who had only secured as few as 11 votes to remain in the EFL. Their first EFL fixture, which was in the Football League Third Division North in August 1928 was against Accrington Stanley who they were able to beat 3 – 2. It was a Carlisle side that included the likes of Prout, Coulthard, Cook, Harrison, Ross, Pigg, Agar, Hutchinson, McConnell, Ward, and Watson. However, they were only able to finish second bottom a few years later, in 1934/35, and as a result they had to resubmit for a place in the EFL; they succeeded, and they haven’t had to do this again since. From 1939 to 1945, which was of course when World War Two took place, Carlisle United decided to only play local football, but by the time that the war was over, the Cumbrians began playing in the English Football League once again under the appointed player/manager Ivor Broadis, the youngest to ever take charge of the team in the club’s history, taking over at the age of just 23. He also then became the first manager to transfer himself when he signed for Sunderland years later, continuing to train and live in Carlisle. He then returned to Carlisle in 1955 after having become an England international. One of the biggest names in football management took charge of the club in 1949 – future Liverpool legend Bill Shankly, who had previously played for Carlisle in his playing days. Shankly was only there until 1951, when he took charge of Grimsby Town, followed by Workington and Huddersfield Town before then famousl y taking charge of Liverpool back in 1959. He was there for 15 years between 1959 and 1974, winning the First Division title three times, the Second Division title once, winning the FA Cup twice, the FA Charity Shield three times, as well as a European honour in the form of the UEFA Cup, now the UEFA Europa League, once in the 1972/73 season. Back to Carlisle United, they were members of the English Football League Third Division North until 1958, when it combined with the Third Division South to become what became known as the Fourth Division, now League Two. They remained there until 1962, though after relegation, they were immediately able to return to the English Football League in the 1962/63 season. In 1964, they were able to gain promotion up to the Third Division, and then in the 1964/65 season, they spectacularly won the third tier title and became part of the Second Division and just one step away from reaching the top flight for the very first time. Carlisle would go on to spend more than 12 years in the Second Division, 11 of them with a top half finish, coming third in 1966/67, fourth in 1970/71, and third in 1973/74. This third place finish saw them gain what was a historic promotion to the First Division, and at the end of the 1971/72 season, they competed in the Anglo-Italian Cup that saw them go toe-to-toe with Italian Giants AS Roma, who they were able to beat 3 – 2 incredibly at the iconic and historic Stadio Olimpico stadium in the Italian Capital. In the early stages of the 1974/75 top flight season, they found themselves in top spot after winning all of their first three fixtures, which included a 1 – 0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in front of as many as 18,426 spectators at Brunton Park. However, by the end of the decade, they fell down the English Football League pyramid, and by the time that the 1976/77 season came along, they were now back in the Third Division for what was the first time in as many as 13 years. In the 1981/82 Third Division season, they were fighting for the title, though they only missed out on goal difference in the end. It was under manager Bob Stokoe, and they were of course still promoted back to the Second Division as runners-up to Burnley. Current Premier League side Fulham were also promoted to the Second Division that term. Then, in the latter stages of the 1980s, they dropped back down to the Fourth Division in 1987, which was to be their first experience of that league since 1964. In 1988/89, they came 12 th in the Fourth Division, and in the same season they were only knocked out of the FA Cup in the Third Round Proper by the defending top flight Champions and eventual winners of that season’s FA Cup competition, the mighty Liverpool. By the early 1990s, they still found themselves in the Fourth Division, and a promising start to the 1990/91 season brought about optimism that this may be the season they finally get themselves promoted. However, bad form in the latter part of that campaign saw them fall and finish as far down as 20 th place. In the summer of 1992, Michael Knighton, who had tried to takeover Manchester United a few years before in 1989, became the new Chairman and Chief Executive of Carlisle United Football Club. He invested £4.5 million between 1992 and 1996 to help improve Brunton Park, which included a new 6,000 seater South Stand that was opened by football legend Nat Lofthouse. Knighton then announced the intention for Carlisle to become a Premiership club by 2003 before the 1993/94 season began. In 1993/94, they won the Third Division for the second time in the club’s history, winning the Third Division title with a club record of 91 points overall. Then in 1995/96 they were favourites to win the Second Division title, though they were controversially relegated back to Division Three after the fixture between Brighton and York was rearranged to be played after the formal season had concluded. In 1996/97, they bounced back to Division Two at the first attempt automatically, finishing in third behind Wigan Athletic and Fulham. On 8 th May 1999, they completed a historic and well-known great escape from relegation from Division Four for the first time since 1928. Scarbrough, a rival for Carlisle, only needed to draw against Peterborough United for the Cumbrians to survive. Carlisle were also drawing into second-half stoppage time at Brunton Park, and in the 95 th minute, an iconic goal from Goalkeeper Jimmy Glass secured the win and survival for Carlisle. Knighton left the club in June 1999 after resigning as Chairman and putting his shareholding in CUFC Holdings Ltd up for sale. In the early 2000s, Carlisle had fallen out of the English Football League, though they did manage to finally return after beating Stevenage Borough 1 – 0 in the 2004/05 Promotion Play-Off Final at the Britannia Stadium in Stoke. It was done under manager Paul Simpson, though he left them after securing the League Two title in 2005/06, leaving for Preston North End. Simpson was succeeded by Neil McDonald. They lost in the playoff semi-final to Leeds in 2007. Fast forward to September 2014, they were desperately fighting for safety in the English Football League and hung on to their place in League Two. Under manager Keith Curle, they secured safety with two games to spare, and the next season, 2015/16, they finished in 10 th , never really competing for promotion though. Curle left the club at the end of the 2017/18 season following a 6 – 5 aggregate loss to Exeter City in the playoff semi-finals. Then, in February 2022, the aforementioned Paul Simpson returned to the club to take charge once more with his side in 23 rd place. He kept them in League Two with what was a 20 th place finish before then agreeing terms to a new three year contract. In 2023, they finally secured promotion back to League One after beating Stockport County on penalties in the promotion play-off final after drawing 1 – 1. It ended what was a nine year stint in League Two. Unfortunately, in 2023/24, they were unfortunately relegated back to the Fourth Tier after finishing in 24 th place, finishing bottom with them being 16 points adrift from safety in the end. Then on 3 rd February 2025, Mike Williamson, Simpson’s second successor, was sacked with the club sitting five points adrift of safety in League Two. Williamson was replaced by former Stoke boss Mark Hughes, but he was unable to prevent them from being relegated down to the National League come the end of the 2024/25 season. In 2025/26, they finished in third place in the Enterprise National League with 95 points after playing 46 games. They lost to Boreham Wood in the playoffs, losing 2 – 1 at home in extra time. They will be hoping to get promoted back to League Two come the end of the 2026/27 Enterprise National League season. In the opposition dugout – Rob Elliot Current Carlisle boss Rob Elliot has been in charge since he was appointed as The Cumbrians’ Manager back on 28 th May 2026, which was just before the start of the current 2026/27 Enterprise National League season. This is not his first job in senior management, having previously been in charge of the likes of Gateshead (2023 – 2024; 2026) and Crawley Town (2024 - 2025). In his playing career that spanned 20 years as a Goalkeeper from 2004 and 2024, he played for the likes of Charlton Athletic (2004 - 2011), Bishop’s Stortford (Loan, 2004), Notts County (Loan, 2005), Accrington Stanley (Loan, 2005 – 2006; Loan, 2006 - 2007), Newcastle United (2011 - 2020), Watford (2021 - 2022), and finally the aforementioned Gateshead from 2022 to his retirement in 2024. Key Player – Regan Linney Striker Regan Linney is arguably Carlisle’s key player, with the forward being their current leading goalscorer as of the time of writing, with as many as 6 goals having been scored by the 29-year-old. He recently scored a brace against Tamworth in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, securing his team a place in the First Round Proper following a 2 – 1 win at Brunton Park. Linney has been a player since 2015, having so far played for the likes of Bamber Bridge (2015 - 2019), FC United of Manchester (2019 - 2023), and Altrincham (2023 - 2025) before then joining current club Carlisle United back on 30 th May 2025, signing a three-year contract with the Cumbrian club. Opposition overview written by Adam Holt
