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30/09/2006 - Didsbury 0v10 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle re-introduced their second team into the North West Division North 10.
Any uncertainty if the team were going to be able to handle the teams in the
league were soon put to one side, as Darren Little put Carlisle ahead in the
second minute against last season's 7th placed team.
Adam Young thought he'd scored from a well struck short corner, only to see it
bounce back off the foot of the post, but it was soon 2v0 as Darren got his
second. Didsbury had to resort to trying to catch Carlisle on the break, but by
half time it was three as Darren was given time in the D to drive along the back
line, before beating the keeper.
Mike Graham made it four in the first minute of the second half, before Adam
Young scored with a dragged flick penalty corner. Craig Holiday made it six,
with Darren Little getting a further two, to take his tally to five, before Adam
Young got his second and Carlisle's ninth.
In the dying minutes, Mike Graham got his second with a well worked goal between
himself, Darren Little and man of the match David Boyd to complete the scoring.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, J Richards, T Johnston, R Gordon, A Crabtree, D
Boyd, S Boyd, C Holliday, D Little, M Graham, L Heap
14/10/2006 - Carlisle 2nd's 4 - 0
Blackpool 2nd's
Following the resounding away win at Didsbury, Carlisle 2nd's played their first
home game as a league team. Unfortunately regular captain Adam Young had picked
up an injury and was unavailable to play, however he badgered his side from the
touchline in a manager role.
Carlisle started the game shakily against 10-man Blackpool and within the first
minute they could have been a goal down with the ball whistling wide of the
post. This early warning gave Carlisle a boost as they pushed forward and it
wasn't long before a missed Blackpool clearance found Darren Little, who duly
continued his goal-scoring streak and put Carlisle ahead.
Blackpool continued to pose Carlisle some problems but sterling defensive work
from Jonny Richards, Trevor Johnston, Sergelen Conacher and another new recruit
Sandy McPhee, meant that Carlisle continued to hold the lead.
Carlisle doubled their advantage following a disappointing Penalty Corner
routine, with Jonny Richards opening his account for the season. Darren Little
took his goal tally to 7 for the season when he coolly deflected Mike Graham's
pass into the bottom corner. Carlisle now started to dominate play through
Man-of-the-Match Rob Cook and Andrew Crabtree on the wings. Carlisle's 4th goal
in the first half came courtesy of Luke Heap, scoring his first ever goal for
Carlisle with a powerful and accurate sweep shot from the back of the D.
With a 4 goal lead at half-time, stand-in captain Trevor Johnston inspired the
team to be just and fear not, and this was needed as in the first moments of the
second half Carlisle conceded a string of penalty corners, however Blackpool
were still unable to score. The game continued to be dominated by Carlisle, with
Craig Holliday and Richard Hogg dictating the play.
Carlisle 2nd's travel to play Golborne next week hoping to continue the good
start they have made.
Carlisle - Trevor Johnston(c), Mark Nixon, Jonny Richards, Sergelen Conacher,
Andrew Crabtree, Richard Hogg, Craig Holliday, Rob Cook, Darren Little, Mike
Graham, Luke Heap, Sandy McPhee
21/10/06 - Golborne 0v18 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle travelled to Golborne on Saturday to face a club depleted by injuries
and suspensions, but initially found a compact side difficult to break down.
After not playing very well last week Carlisle moved the ball around well,
controlling the play but finding chances hard to come by. It wasn't till the ten
minute mark that Jonny Richards cut out a Golborne attack and linked with Craig
Holiday to move into the Golborne D and score.
Carlisle continued to press for an opening and as Richard Hogg was fouled in the
D, Trevor Johnston scored the resulting penalty flick. As the game opened up,
Carlisle's passing game started to tell as Richard Hogg and Darren Little each
scored twice to give Carlisle a 6v0 half time lead.
Golborne dragged men back to help out the defence, but with less players up
front the Carlisle defence started to move up. In a five minute spell that
finished the game as a contest, Jonny Richards got two to complete his hat-trick
with Richard Hogg getting his third and fourth and Darren Little also claimed
his hat-trick before Craig Holiday got the twelvth.
Carlisle's man of the match, Rob Cook, scored with a well struck shot before
Luke Heap and Mike Graham each scored. With Trevor Johnston and Robert Gordon
now practically playing in midfield, Mike Graham was released to score his
second before Trevor Johnston neat stick work enabled him to claim his second.
Darren Little then set up Robert Gordon who finished the scoring with Carlisle's
18.
Carlisle 2s play Ormskirk at home next Saturday.
Carlisle: M Nixon (c), S Conacher, T Johnston, J Richards, R Gordon, A Crabtree,
R Hogg, C Holiday, R Cook, D Little, M Graham, S McPhee, L Heap
28/10/06 - Carlisle 2s 0v1 Cheetham Hill 2s
Carlisle seconds lost there first game of the season as a valiant defensive
display by Cheetham Hill won them all three points.
With a team of 9 regular defensive players, Cheetham set out to restrict
Carlisle who had averaged more than 10 goals per game this season. Carlisle
started strongly and thought they had taken the lead when Rob Gordon picked out
Darren Little in the D, but despite the ball finding the back board, Darren was
adjudged to have failed to make contact with the ball. As Carlisle were awarded
a succession of penalty corners they found the visiting keeper in fine form.
Carlisle's new look midfield of Roger Hill and Tom Lawson kept pressing for an
opening but could not find a break through.
With Cheetham happy to try and catch Carlisle on the break they continued to
invite Carlisle forward and managed to create a number of chances. Late in the
first half a quick counter attack produced a free hit outside the D and with the
faintest of touches the free hit produced a neat goal.
Carlisle started the second half aiming to produce a patient display and quickly
put Cheetham under pressure. Darren Little picked out Mike Graham in the D and
his first time shot looked to be going in until a superb piece of goalkeeping
prevented a goal but as the ball came back to Mike, the youngster was still
venting his frustrations at the save.
As the game drew to a close Carlisle were camped in the Cheetham half and as Tom
Lawson broke through in the D a rash stick challenge was blew as a penalty
corner when it could have been a flick. Jonny Richards tried to find the top
corner from the corner only to find the keeper again. With the last chance of
the half Darren Little cut in from the left and smashed the ball against the
crossbar with the keeper beaten to leave Carlisle beaten.
Carlisle seconds are away to Ormskirk next week.
Carlisle: R Gordon (c), M Nixon, S Conacher, J Richards, S McPhee, A Crabtree, T
Lawson, R Hill, C Holliday, A Richards, M Graham, D Little, L Heap
04/11/06 - Ormskirk 0v7 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle 2s put last week's defeat behind them as captain Adam Young returned
from his holidays to lead the team to victory.
After a scrappy beginning, Carlisle suffered a few early scares, but as an
Ormskirk attacked broke down, Jonny Richards picked out Darren Little who gave
Carlisle an early break through. He soon made it two as he quickly turned in the
D and found a gap to the far corner. With a two goal cushion Carlisle began to
control the game, earning a number of penalty corners, without finding the net
again. Darren Little then broke through the Ormskirk back line and as he drew
the keeper his shot was stopped from crossing the line by a defenders foot, with
Ormskirk fortunate to only concede a penalty corner. Darren Little did manage to
get his third just before half time.
Within minutes of the restart Carlisle won a penalty corner and after a number
of attempts to get a shot away the ball finally fell to Mike Graham who
unselfishly picked out Darren Little for a simple tap-in. Straight from the
restart, Carlisle won another penalty corner which Adam Young struck into the
bottom corner.
With the game over as a contest it became increasingly open and Carlisle for
their sixth from another penalty corner as Adam Young found the top corner with
a drag flick. As the game came to a close, Mike Graham got the final goal as
instead of opting for the strike he choose to flick the ball over the advancing
keeper for Carlisle's seventh.
Carlisle 2s are at home to Prescot next Saturday. Carlisle's man of the match
was Adam Young.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, S Conacher, T Johnston, J Richards, R Gordon, A
Crabtree, C Holiday, R Cook, D Little, M Graham, S McPhee, N Boothby, M Bingham
11/11/06 - Carlisle 2s 4v1 Prescot 3s
Carlisle 2s went second in NW division 10 North with their fifth win of the
season.
Having already scored 14 goals in six games, Darren Little ran in behind the
Prescot defence in the tenth minute to strike his first of the game. As Carlisle
settled into their stride chances came and went for Mike Graham and Darren
Little to add to their tally. Rob Gordon linked with Andrew Crabtree on the left
with Rob forging his way to the goal line but his pull back to Adam Young was
cleared for a Carlisle corner. From the corner Adam Young slipped the ball to
Darren for Darren to get his and Carlisle's second of the game.
Prescot were well drilled in setting up quickly and from a free-hit outside the
D, the ball was struck low and hard and helped on its way past the keeper in a
neat move. Carlisle kept their shape and continued to spread the ball well as
Craig Holliday ran through the Prescot defence and released Darren little to
earn his hat-trick.
Carlisle continued to control the game in the second half with Prescot becoming
increasingly frustrated as Carlisle kept regaining possession from Prescot 16s.
However, despite having most of the play it wasn't until the last ten minutes
when Carlisle scored again, as Adam Young finished off a rehearsed penalty
corner routine for Carlisle's fourth.
Carlisle rang the changes as the game drew to a close but managed to hold on to
their 4v1 lead. Carlisle 2s are away to Preston next week.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, S Conacher, T Johnston, J Richards, R Gordon, A
Crabtree, C Holiday, R Cook, D Little, M Graham, S McPhee, M Holliday, T Lawson,
R Hill, L Heap
18/11/06 - Preston 1v5 Carlisle 2nds
After a late pitch inspection the game was allowed to go ahead but torrential
rain and a pitch that was being to flood in places, made quality hockey
difficult.
Preston were happy to sit back and try and catch Carlisle on the break but as
Carlisle settled into their routine they began to dominate the game.
Jonny Richards mis-hit injection at a penalty corner bounced out of the D but
Adam Young managed to control it before striking his shot at goal. With the damp
conditions making it difficult, Adam topped the ball which caused it to spin up
over the defenders sticks and into the goal. If the first goal was unorthodox
the second was bizarre. A long through ball was running out of play, and became
stuck in a puddle and as the keeper just watched, Luke Heap nipped in to score.
The game was settled in the second half when Rob Gordon played in Adam Young and
as he picked up the ball outside the D he dribbled past four Preston defenders
before finding the top corner of the net giving the keeper no chance. Darren
Little got Carlisle's fourth when Preston failed to clear a penalty corner
before Craig Holliday was given an eternity to get his shot away to earn
Carlisle's fifth.
Despite a late consolation for Preston, Carlisle earned their sixth win of the
season and with leaders Bury getting beat, they moved second in NW division 10
North, with a game in hand, only one point behind Bury.
The next three matches are vital for Carlisle as they play the top teams in the
division, starting with Lytham at home next week.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, S Conacher, T Johnston, J Richards, R Gordon, A
Crabtree, C Holiday, D Little, M Graham, S McPhee, M Holliday, R Hill, L Heap
25/11/06 - Carlisle 2s 13v0 Lytham St
Anne's
Carlisle maintained the pressure on leaders Bury with a victory over 4th placed
Lytham, with the score line meaning Carlisle 2s now have the best scoring record
in the North West League.
Carlisle started brightly and showed have taken an early lead when Darren Little
was picked out a yard from the goal but his attempted flick over the keeper also
went over the bar. Darren's embarrassment was short lived as Mike Graham found
himself in a similar position moments later and also managed to clear the bar.
However, as Carlisle maintained the pressure it wasn't long before Darren got
his first of the game. Mike Graham got Carlisle's second and then went dribbled
round the keeper for what he though was his third but with Lytham defenders
attempting to clear, Luke Heap made sure of the goal on the line.
With Carlisle now dominating, Trevor Johnston had space to move up from the back
and as space opened up in front of him, he was able to fire a short in to the
corner from the edge of the D, with Darren Little making every attempt to claim
it on the line. Adam Young then got Carlisle's 5th as they went into half time.
As the second half started, Mike Graham picked up the ball wide on the left and
after picking out Darren Little's run, Darren was able to play a quick one-two
with Adam Young before sweeping the ball past the keeper at full speed. Carlisle
got their seventh as Adam Young dragged flicked a penalty corner over the keeper
and Mike Graham got Carlisle's eighth.
With Carlisle playing third placed Bolton next week, they were able to move
players around and try out different positions. Two quick fire goals from Darren
Little got Carlisle into double figures before Mike Graham (2) and Adam Young
finished the scoring.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, S Conacher, T Johnston, J Richards, R Gordon, A
Crabtree, C Holiday, R Cook, D Little, M Graham, S McPhee, M Holliday, R Hill, L
Heap, D Cramb
02/12/06 - Boton 3v3 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle went top of NW division 10N despite letting a three nil half time lead
slip away against third placed Bolton. With only the champions guaranteed
promotion Carlisle are top due to their superior goal difference to Bury who
they face next Saturday in what has now become a championship six pointer.
Carlisle had the better of the opening exchanges and took a 15th minute lead
through Darren Little. Adam Young then picked up the ball at the half way line
and ran through the Bolton defence before rounding the keeper. With the keeper
beat, Adam unselfishly played in Luke Heap for Luke to score.
Darren Little then got Carlisle's third but as Bolton hit back it took a
goal-line clearance from Robert Gordon to preserve Carlisle's lead.
Bolton changed things in the second half and soon pulled one back from a penalty
corner. Carlisle hit back and after a number of attempts at goal from inside the
D, Darren Little looked to have secured his hat-trick as the keeper could only
deflect the goal into his own goal, but the umpire gave a long corner. Carlisle
scored again as Adam Young put away a neat penalty corner but the umpire again
ruled the goal out as Jonny Richards played the ball with his hand whilst
holding the stick.
After those scares, Bolton pulled another one back and then as they pushed for
an equaliser a long punt from just inside the 25 yard line looked to be going
into the goal for a Carlisle hit-out but as Keeper Mark Nixon attempted to get
out of its way the ball hit his pads and was awarded despite not being touched
by a Bolton player in the D.
Carlisle: Adam Young (c), Mark Nixon, Sergelen Conacher, Trevor Johnston, Jonny
Richards, Robert Gordon, Andrew Crabtree, Craig Holiday, Rob Cook, Darren
Little, M Graham, Luke Heap, Chris Jopson
09/12/06 - Carlisle 2s 3v1 Bury
With Carlisle level on points with Bury at the top of NW Division 10N it was all
to play for in the last match before the Xmas break, and it was Carlisle who
moved three points clear after a good win, despite having a number of key
players called into the first team.
Carlisle started brightly and soon took the lead through an Adam Young short
corner. They continued to apply pressure to Bury and Ally Richards set up Luke
Heap only for the youngster to just put his attempt wide of the post.
Having being beaten from Carlisle's first penalty corner the Bury keeper
adjusted his defenders to prevent a repeat and so Carlisle had to mix up a
number of their routines.
Carlisle were unable to find a second and with the half drawing to a close Bury
were forced to change their formation in order to get in to the game and with an
extra striker managed to beat Carlisle keeper Mark Nixon but Don Cramb was on
hand to clear the ball off the line.
With the game tightly poised Carlisle maintained their starting 11 and
deservedly got their second when man of the match Adam Young finally found a gap
through the defence to score. Within minutes Adam was back in the D and when
poised to shoot for his hat-trick, played in Luke Heap for Carlisle's third.
In the dying moments Bury pulled one back after Mark Nixon had gave a way a
penalty stroke, but Carlisle held on for the win.
Carlisle's next game is 13 January at home to Didsbury.
Carlisle: Adam Young (c), Mark Nixon, Sid Conacher, Ally Richards, Trevor
Johnston, Jonny Richards, Robert Gordon, Andrew Crabtree, Rob Cook, Roger Hill,
Luke Heap, Chris Jopson, Don Cramb
13/01/07 - Carlisle 2’s 7 – 0 Didsbury Northern 6’s
Following the Christmas
break, Carlisle started the second half of the season with the return fixture
against Didsbury.
Carlisle started 2007
how they left off in 2006 with a win in wintry conditions. With Carlisle playing
with the wind at their backs in the first half it was no surprise when Adam
Young found the net from one of Carlisle’s first meaningful attacks. Carlisle
were fortunate to stay ahead when Donald Cramb conceded a Penalty Stroke,
however Mark Nixon flew through like an Olympic gymnast and was able to stop the
ball to his left with an outstretched foot. From the restart Carlisle broke free
and when Adam Young’s initial shot came back off the goal keeper Craig Holliday
calmly blasted the rebound into the roof of the net on the half-volley. Carlisle
continued to push forward and Jonny Richards was able to score to make it 3-0.
Carlisle continued to pressurize the Didsbury goal and following a good showing
of strength to beat the Didsbury defenders Luke Heap was able to finish.
Carlisle started the
second half in a similar fashion to the first where a good amount of possession
was unable to be rewarded with a goal until 10 minutes into the second half when
Man of the Match Adam Young was able to convert a shot from an improbable angle
for his second and Carlisle’s 5th of the game. Carlisle’s 6th
goal came from veteran Ally Richard’s short range effort.
The weather became
difficult to play in for both sides however Didsbury continued to apply pressure
and were able to play some neat hockey, testing the resilient Carlisle defensive
line of Jonny Richards, Trevor Johnston, Donald Cramb and Mark Bingham on a
number of occasions. Adam Young sealed his hat-trick with 5 minutes left of the
game and ensured that Carlisle would remain top of Division 10N
Player’s Man of the
Match: Adam Young
Man of the Match as voted
for by the opposition: Adam Young
Carlisle: Adam Young (c), Mark Nixon, Jonny
Richards, Donald Cramb, Trevor Johnston, Mark Bingham, Roger Hill, Adam Young,
Craig Holliday, Rob Cook, Darren Little, Ally Richards, Sergelen Conacher,
Andrew Crabtree, Luke Heap, Sandy McPhee
20/01/07 - Blackpool 2s 3v4 Carlisle 2s
A high quality game saw Carlisle lose their unbeaten away record against a good
Blackpool team.
With a number of key players missing Carlisle name a squad of only 11 for the
first time this season and it was Blackpool who took advantage of some
maintained pressure to score an early goal. Carlisle began to get more into the
game and soon levelled as Jonny Richards picked out Darren Little from a
free-hit to sweep the ball past the keeper.
In an open game both sides had chances but it was Blackpool who scored next from
a penalty corner. Carlisle quickly equalised as Jonny Richards and Darren Little
combined to produce an identical goal to Carlisle's first and then Carlisle took
the lead from a penalty corner as captain Adam Young struck a low shot past the
keeper.
Blackpool pressured Carlisle looking for an equaliser and a high shot was
blocked by the body of Jonny Richards on the line, with Blackpool scoring the
resulting penalty flick. The last ten minutes saw both sides looking for a
winner, but when Carlisle were caught on the attack, Blackpool broke clear and
with keeper Mark Nixon adjudged to have played the man as well as the ball as he
slid out, Blackpool won the game with their second penalty flick of the match.
Carlisle A Young (c), M Nixon, T Johnston, R Gordon, J Richards, S Conacher, R
Cook, L Heap, D Little, S McPhee, A Crabtree
27/01/07 - Carlisle 2s 10v0 Golbourne 2s
Carlisle moved three points clear at the top of division 10N, reaching double
figures for the fourth time this season, as nearest rivals Bolton could only
draw.
Carlisle took an early lead through Darren Little, and as Carlisle continued to
dominate the early exchanges, Darren soon made it two, and ended the game as a
contest in doing so. Adam Young made it three from a penalty corner, with
Richard Hogg get Carlisle's fourth as Golbourne struggled to get out of their
own half. Before half time Darren Little made it 5v0 from a penalty corner.
Carlisle should have scored early in the second half as Adam Young first had a
goal disallowed from a penalty corner for being high and then had a second
disallowed as he crossed with Luke Heap on the top of the D. With Carlisle
dominating their centre back Don Cramb ventured forward, but fell foul of the
umpires as a cross hit his foot and after crossing the line was initially
awarded before Carlisle owned up to the error.
When Carlisle did finally score a legitimate goal Darren Little scored two with
Adam Young also claiming his hat-trick. Richard Hogg made it nine before Rob
Gordon moved up from the back to sweep his shot from the edge of D passed the
keeper, despite the best attempts of Darren Little to claim a touch on it, to
make it ten.
Darren Little was Carlisle's man of the match with Adam Young claiming the
opponents award.
Carlisle travel to Cheetham Hill on Saturday looking to revenge their home
defeat earlier in the season.
Carlisle: A Young(C), M Nixon, R Gordon, S Conacher, C Jopson, D Cramb, R Hogg,
R Hill, R Cook, L Heap, T Lawson, A Crabtree, D Little, M Holliday
10/02/07 - Carlisle 2s 5v0 Ormskirk 2s
With Carlisle 1s game at Crewe postponed due to the weather it was the chance
for the second team to prove their worth in front of the crowd of watching first
team.
Carlisle took the lead as Richard Hogg picked up the ball on the left and went
past three players before launching his shot into the top corner past the
keeper. With Ormskirk sitting back, Carlisle's pressure began to tell as Adam
Young beat the keeper with a low shot from a penalty corner. Ormskirk tried to
attack Carlisle on the break but found the home defence in good form.
In the second half, Rob Gordon played in Rob Cook who's cross was eventually
turned in by Luke Heap. Richard Hogg then got his second as he drag flicked a
penalty corner past the Ormskirk defence. Luke Heap then got the goal of the
game as Ally Richards pass split the defence with Luke staying calm and rounding
the advancing keeper before scoring.
Man of the match, Adam Young, was unlucky not to score as his shot from the edge
of the D just went wide of the post.
Carlisle 2s travel to Prescot next week, with the 1s at home to Bowdon 5s.
Carlisle: A Young(c), M Nixon, T Johnston, R Gordon, D Cramb, C Jopson, S
Conacher, R Cook, R Hill, R Hogg, S McPhee, A Crabtree, A Richards, L Heap
17/02/07 - Prescot 1v7 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle held captain Adam Young responsible for failing to reach the 100 goal
landmark against Prescott as Adam's missed penalty flick resulted in Carlisle
securing goals 93 to 99 of the season.
After a bright start Carlisle finally broke the deadlock when Rob Gordon picked
out Darren Little in the D, and Darren spun past the approaching defenders slot
the ball into the corner. It was quickly two as Adam Young found the backboard
from a penalty corner. With his usual strike partners missing, Darren was
partnered by Craig Holiday in attack and it was Craig that set up Darren for his
second, and Carlisle's third.
Early in the second half, Carlisle showed why they are top of the league as they
moved the ball well around the back before releasing Andrew Crabtree on the
left. Andrew's interplay with Darren Little resulted in Andrew having the time
to pick his spot and claim his first goal for Carlisle.
Damian Cray, making his first start of the season, broke down the right wing
before pulling the ball back to Darren Little to claim his hat-trick before
Craig Holliday scored.
Prescot pulled one back from a penalty corner before Darren claim his fourth
late on.
With Carlisle's main two rivals playing each other next week, they now need a
maximum of 10 points from their remaining 5 games to secure the division 10
North championship. Carlisle play their rearranged fixture against Cheetham Hill
next Sunday.
Carlisle: A Young (C), M Nixon, R Gordon, S Conacher, R Hogg, C Jopson, D Cray,
R Hill, A Crabtree, C Holliday, D Little
25/02/06 - Cheetham Hill 0v3 Carlisle 2s
With nearest rivals Bolton, losing on Saturday, Carlisle 2s had the chance to
move five points clear with their rearranged fixture against Cheetham Hill.
Carlisle started strongly and quickly got into their rhythm as looked gain an
early initiative. Adam young set up Mike Graham just in front of the keeper, but
his first time shot was dragged wide of the post. Darren Little then produced a
good save from the keeper. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season,
Carlisle dominated the game but could not score and ended up losing 1v0, and
were frustrated in the opening exchanges with a lack of goals for their
possession. After a number of penalty corners, captain Adam Young switched the
system to account for the way the home side's defence were moving out and it was
his layoff to Richard Hogg that allowed Richard the time to drag flick his shot
in the side netting for Carlisle's 1st of the day and 100th of the season.
After missing a number of chances beforehand Mike Graham then interlinked with
Darren Little to fire a shot past the keeper for Carlisle's second, ironically
his hardest chance of the game.
Cheetham Hill rang the changes in the second half and looked to pressurise
Carlisle but it was Carlisle who scored next through an Adam Young penalty
corner. Top scorer Darren Little then thought his scored as he fired his shot
past the keeper, only for it to rebound off the foot of the post.
The result leaves Carlisle needing 5 points from their remaining four games to
win the league, starting with a home game next week against Preston 5s.
Man of the match for Carlisle was Trevor Johnston.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, R Gordon, T Johnston, M Holmes, J Richards, S
Conacher, R Hogg, A Crabtree, C Jopson, D Cray, D Little, M Graham
03/03/2007 – Carlisle Men’s 2nds 3 – 1
Preston Men’s 5ths
Carlisle 2nd’s took a step closer to the Division 10 North title following a
hard fought team effort against a resilient Preston side.
The game started brightly, with a few positional changes as well as a stand-in
Captain in the form of goalkeeper Mark Nixon. With Carlisle playing free-flowing
hockey from the start of the game, the local support felt that a goal was
imminent. Carlisle’s attacking play produced a number of Penalty Corners however
Carlisle were unable to convert these chances due to some fine goalkeeping.
Darren Little crept in to score his 36th goal of the season to give Carlisle an
early lead. Carlisle continued to press however they found that this Preston
side was well drilled in defending and was fortunate not to concede on the
counter attack, but for goalkeeper Nixon’s well timed tackle. Carlisle looked a
little uneasy at times and at times looked to be missing the influence of
Captain Adam Young; however they were able to go into half-time with a one-goal
advantage.
Carlisle started the second half in a similar fashion to the first where a good
amount of possession was unable to be rewarded with a goal. Although Carlisle
had made much of the running, it was the controlled nature of Preston’s play
that led to the equalizing goal for the visitors with 10 minutes left to play. A
deflection from in front of the goalkeeper allowed for the simplest of finishes
for the Preston attacker. Carlisle knew that they had to push forward and some
fresh legs proved worthwhile, with Ally Richards and Luke Heap taking to the
pitch to add some extra bite to the attack. The substitutions paid off when a
scramble in the “D” allowed for Luke Heap’s sweep to be turned in by Darren
Little, thus restoring Carlisle’
s lead. With only 5 minutes left to play, Carlisle’s experienced players, Trevor
Johnston and Ally Richards looked to ensure that Carlisle kept possession of the
ball. Carlisle were awarded another Penalty corner near the end of the game,
allowing for Luke Heap to again assist Darren Little, giving Carlisle 3 valuable
points in their search for the League Title.
Player’s Man of the Match: Darren Little Man of the Match as voted for by the
opposition: Darren Little
Carlisle: Mark Nixon(c), Jonny Richards, Donald Cramb, Trevor Johnston, Chris
Jopson, Roger Hill, Andrew Crabtree, Rob Cook, Damien Cray, Darren Little, Ally
Richards, Sergelen Conacher, Luke Heap
10/03/07 - Bury 1s 2v2 Carlisle 2s
With Carlisle's goal difference effectively worth an extra point they went into
the game at Bury knowing a win would essentially win them the North West
Division 10 North title. The game ended is controversy as the two umpires could
not agree on the timings in the second half, with one umpire thinking the 35
minutes were up and the other still thinking their was 10 minutes left. As it
expired the home umpire was the official time keeper and the 10 minutes extra
were played with Bury scoring with the last touch of the game to deny Carlisle.
Carlisle started promisingly with Darren Little having a number of chances.
mid way through the first half a foul on Rob cook enabled Adam Young to pick out
Darren Little in the D to divert the ball past the keeper. Carlisle should have
then had a flick as Darren Little broke through on goal only to be shoved in the
back. As Darren still tried to stay on his feet, his off balance shot was wide,
saving the defender from a certain card.
The last move of the half saw Damian Cray pick out Darren Little who went round
the keeper but his shot was someone saved by the last defender.
Carlisle increased their lead straight away in the second half as Adam Young
converted a penalty corner.
The game began to turn nasty when Rob Cook was flattened by an over aggressive
tackle, with the Bury striker who had already had a 60 day ban this season for
fighting lucky not to get a card and then a tackle by Trevor Johnston was
adjudged to be fair by the umpire but as Damian Cray picked up the pieces, the
Bury striker decided to take matters into his own hands by barging Damian off
the ball. The captains had to be called together to try and keep the peace.
When a Carlisle free hit was taken quickly without finding a player, Bury
countered and with men over, pulled one back. Carlisle had chances to close the
game out, but in the last seconds, Rob Cook's foul on the edge of the D was
followed by Rob being pushed to the floor making way for a quick free-hit to be
taken and despite Mark Nixon's best efforts Bury equalised.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, T Johnston, R Hill, J Richards, R Gordon, C
Jopson, R Cook, A Crabtree, D Cray, D Little, L Heap
17/03/07 - Carlisle Men’s 2s 1 – 1 Bolton
Men’s 6s
Carlisle must wait until the last game of the 2006/07 season to win Division 10
North following a hard fought draw with Bolton.
The game started brightly with Carlisle dominating a lot of early play in
midfield however the ball into the final third lacked much penetration. As the
game progressed the watching crowd, including a large travelling support could
sense that this was to be a close game between the top two teams before the
start of play.
The Carlisle defence lost veteran Trevor Johnston early in the game forcing a
re-think and the introduction of Sergelen Conacher. The change caused some
confusion and as Carlisle were trying to set Bolton created an attack leading to
the game’s first goal. The game continued in a scrappy manner before Bolton
created a chance down the left wing which required a diving save from Goalkeeper
Mark Nixon. Bolton were causing problems from set pieces and but for a sharp
reflex save from Mark Nixon Carlisle would have been 2-0 down. Carlisle had to
keep on the offensive and Man-of-the-Match Andrew Crabtree found himself in a
lot of space on the Carlisle left and was unfortunate with a number of chances
during the game. Carlisle went in to half-time 1-0 down but still buoyant
following a prolonged period of pressure on the Bolton goal including the ball
going in the goal only to be disallowed as the shot came from outside the “D”.
Carlisle started the second half brightly and won their first penalty corner
within the first 5 minutes. Carlisle continued to press forward and were
eventually awarded with a goal from Luke Heap following a powerful ball into the
“D” which was helped on by Ally Richards.
Carlisle and Bolton both pressed looking for a wining goal as both were still in
need of points to guarantee promotion following Blackpool’s recent move up the
league, however strong defensive work from the Bolton defence as well as some
sterling tackling from Chris Jopson, Jonny Richards, Donald Cramb and Roger Hill
denied Bolton many more chances. Following a surging run around the back of the
Bolton defence by Donald Cramb, Carlisle were convinced they had won the game
and the league when Ally Richards neatly placed the ball into the back of the
net however the goal was ruled out as it was believed that the ball had already
gone out of play. Tempers were getting frayed during the game and Captain Adam
Young became only the second player to be shown a card for the Carlisle 2nd’s
this season when he received a green card.
Carlisle travel to Lytham St. Anne’s next week looking for a win in order to
guarantee the title.
Man of the Match as voted for by the Players: Andrew Crabtree Man of the Match
as voted for by Bolton: Rob Cook
Carlisle: Adam Young(c), Mark Nixon, Chris Jopson, Trevor Johnston, Donald
Cramb, Jonny Richards, Andrew Crabtree, Roger Hill, Rob Cook, Luke Heap, Ally
Richards, Damien Cray, Sergelen Conacher, Alex Pearson
24/03/07 - Lytham 2v2 Carlisle 2s
Carlisle 2s secured the division 10 N championship by taking the point they
needed from Lytham, but like the 1s they were made to worry after letting a 2v0
lead slip. With the late push back time, it meant Carlisle already knew that
Blackpool had won meaning they needed a point to win the title on goal
difference, but it also meant that the entire Blackpool team were able to turn
up to cheer Lytham on.
Adam Young gave Carlisle the lead with a well hit strike from the edge of the D
before Darren Little picked himself up after a foul to convert a penalty stroke.
Lytham pulled one back before half time from a penalty corner before stepping up
a gear in the second half and securing their equaliser.
With both teams having chances, Don Cramb then scored for Carlisle only to see
it disallowed, and good work from Ally Richards set up Alex Pearson in the D but
he was unable to get his reverse sweep away. It was left to Roger Hill in the
closing minutes to save Carlisle with two last gasp tackles in the D, before
Carlisle were able to stumble to the point they needed.
Carlisle: A Young (c), M Nixon, R Gordon, D Cramb, R Cook, S Conacher, C Jopson,
R Hill, C Holliday, A Crabtree, D Little, A Richards, A Pearson
