Southampton Season 2010/11 Rivals - Carlisle

Wembley in the JPT final was a good day out for all but a marvellous day for the Southampton fans.

Though we fully deserved our win there were a couple of moments when Carlisle missed opportunities to take the lead.

Carlisle United began life on May 17th 1904. The annual General Meeting of Shaddongate United agreed to change their name to that of Carlisle United forthwith.

There is a myth that says Shaddongate almagamated with Carlisle Red Rose. Proof exists that this is a myth due to the fact that Carlisle met and defeated Carlisle Red Rose in the 1905/6 FA Cup.

The highlight of Carlisle's history was made in the 1973/74 season when they won promotion to the old Division One. They then went on to win the first three games of their first season of top flight football.

This didn't help them though as they began dropping down the league ending up finishing bottom. They did beat the eventual champions Derby County before they were relegated


Carlisle do still have the rather unique record of having played in all five of the top leagues in the English Football League system before anybody else. Still first team to do so but both Oxford United and Luton Town have now equalled their record.

Over the last few years carlisle have had a mixed record with many ups and downs. 2004 saw them finally drop down to the Conference after a few narrow escapes.


The most famous of these is probably the day that Jimmy Glass an on loan goalkeeper, went up to the Plymouth Argyle end a minute from the end of 4 minutes extra time to drive the ball home. Thus ending the 1998/99 on a high.

After relegation the club returned at the first time of asking in season 2004/5. They gained promotion via the play-offs and with Paul Simpson in charge followed up by winning the Division Two Title.

Doncaster were pleased to see them because at their new ground the Keepmoat Stadium because Carlisle were the first winners there.

Since arriving in the 1st Division, Carlisle have flirted with promotion. They have maintained a relatively high position and could again have a say in who will end up at or near the top.

As previously stated they will be hoping to do better against us than they did last year. A 1-1 draw in September at Brunton Park as Saints tried to get a squad together.

The Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley which was followed by a much closer game at St Mary's Stadium. Saints ending up the winners in a tight tense game by 3 -2.

I can see no other result but a home win with us pushing for, and hopefully defying the staistics, to get an away win.

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