The long journey to Carlisle.

Carlisle United v Hereford United
Football League 1
Tuesday 3rd February 2009 KO 7.45 pm.
Brunton Park
Warwick Road
Carlisle
CA1 1LL
Phone 0844 371 1921

Formed in 1904, "The Cumbians" were a product of the merger of two local sides Shaddongate United and Carlisle Red Rose. They moved to Brunton Park in 1909 and joined the Football League in 1928. Visiting fans are accommodated in part of the Cumberland Building Society Stand on one side of the pitch. Admission prices are believed to be Adults £20, Over 65's £14, Under 18's £10, Under 10's £6. Carlisle usually offer a £2 discount on earlybird tickets sold through the visiting club but there has been no announcement from HUFC regarding this facility.

COACHES - HUISA say they cannot justify running a coach to Carlisle because their usual more profitable trips are not showing the surplus to cover losses on less popular games. FUNBUS will depart from Legends at 1.30 pm. I expect to take a couple of 10-minute comfort stops on the M6 and to arrive in Carlisle around 6.30 in time for a glass or two before the game. The fare will depend on numbers but is expected to be around £18. Contact Oxo on 07917 695669.

CAR - Brunton Park is one of the easier grounds to find. Leave the M6 at J43 and take the A69 to Carlisle. You will see the ground on your right after about a mile. There is a car park close to the ground for a £2 fee. Distance from ES is just short of 250 miles and you should allow four and a half hours. Postcode is CA1 1LL.

ALEHOUSES - The Beehive on the A69 is probably the closest to the ground and serves Theakstons. In the centre of Carlisle in the Griffin which carries a decent range including Deuchars IPA and Jennings Best along with a variety of the usual fizzy stuff. The local 'Spoons are The Woodrow Wilson at 48 Botchergate and The William Rufus in the same street. Finally, the Rugby Club next to Brunton Park usually admits visiting fans and serves Theakstons and Yates beers to proper football and egg chasing fans alike.

Fingers crossed for the weather.

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