Carlisle United v Southend United Preview

Roddy Collins Manager of Carlisle despite rumours of his resignation

Carlisle currently sit in 19th place in Division Three, seven points and five places behind Blues. Managed by Roddy Collins, despite rumours to the contrary that the Irishman had resigned from the club, Collins is expected to be in charge of the Cumbrians on Tuesday night against the Blues. Carlisle looked to have avoided their usual end of season escape from relegation with Halifax trailing the Cumbrian side by ten points and with just ten matches remaining another season in Division Three, barring disaster looks assured for Carlisle United. Carlisle suffered a 3-1 reverse at Lincoln City on Saturday with Brendan McGill scoring Carlisle’s goal. Of their sixteen home league matches so far this season Carlisle have won eight, drawn three and lost five.

Neville Southall - conceded five goals for Blues at Carlisle in January 1998

Blues one and only victory over Carlisle at Brunton Park came in March 1963 with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from John McKinven and Ian McNeill. The following season saw a seven goal thriller with the Cumbrians edging out on top 4-3. The game was just 20 seconds old when Blues found themselves a goal down Courtesy of Carlisle's Ronnie Simpson. Johnny Evans made it 2-0 for the home side on 10 minutes and when Simpson added a third on 19 Blues looked dead and buried. However, Terry Bradbury pulled a goal back on 35 minutes as Blues went in at half-time 3-1 down. Mal Slater pulled another goal back for Blues on 58 and three minutes later Peter Bullock completed Blues comeback with the equaliser. However the home side were not to be denied and a second Johnny Evans goal on 65 minutes sealed all three points for Carlisle. The two sides then went their separate ways until season 197879 when they met in the old Third Division with the two sides battling out a 0-0 draw. The following season Carlisle thumped Blues 4-0 with goals from Paul Bannon, Gordon Staniforth and a brace from Steve Ludlum. Blues were relegated that season and next met Carlisle in the 1981/82 season that saw Carlisle come out on top 3-2. Dave Cusack gave Blues the lead from the penalty spot after just two minutes before 'Pop' Robson equalised for the home side on 10 minutes. Terry Gray put Blues back in front on 22 minutes although an own goal from Alan Moody straight after the restart and a John Crabbe penalty ensured the three points stayed in Cumbria. Once again the two sides went their separate ways and would meet again in the 1989/90 season that saw Carlisle comfortabley win 3-0 with a brace from Keith Walwyn and one from Steve Norris doing the damage. Once again the two sides went their separate ways with Blues next travelling to Cumbria in

Ian Stevens three goals in three matches v Blues

the 1997/98 season. Now in the new Division Two Blues found themselves on the end of another thrashing. Tony Caig gave Carlisle the lead on 42 minutes, a brace from Matt Jansen (52 and 65) and goals from Ian Stevens (81) and Ronnie Wallwork (85) completed Blues miserable afternoon. The following season with both sides now in the basement division saw another comfortable victory for the home side. A Keith Dublin own goal on 61 minutes was followed by goals from Ian Stevens (74) and Rob Scott (86). Peter Clark gave the home side a 20th minute lead in the 1999/2000 encounter but Martin Carruthers ensured Blues would take home a point with a 62nd minute equaliser. Although last season it was a case of the same old story for Blues as they went down 3-1. Blues were on a 12 match unbeaten run when they visited Brunton Park last season in contrast to Carlisle who hadn't won a game for 12 matches. Although after 27 minutes you would have thought it was the other way round as Carlisle stormed into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Ian Stevens (13) and Scott Dobie (27). David Lee pulled a goal back for Blues on 86 minutes but Dobie ensured victory for the home side two minutes later. Here's hoping Blues can overcome their travel sickness and return home with maximum points for the first time in 39 years on Tuesday night.