League Two play-off 'Q & A': Carlisle United

Carlisle United and Stockport County go head to head tomorrow afternoon with a place in League One up for grabs at Wembley.

The Cumbrians looked on course for automatic promotion until their form faltered towards the end of the season. But they have the chance to make that right against the Hatters.

After eventually finishing fifth in the fourth tier, Paul Simpson’s team made it difficult for themselves after losing 1-0 in the first semi-final against Bradford City.

However, Carlisle turned things around in the second half, taking the game to extra-time before emerging eventual 3-2 winners on aggregate.

To get an idea of how Carlisle United fans are feeling ahead of this crucial game, we spoke to CUSC London Branch ahead of the game about their team’s prospects.

1. That was a very dramatic second-leg play-off against Bradford. How did you feel about it? Were you worried when Bradford went ahead in extra-time?

No – after the first 20 minutes in the first leg, Carlisle were dominant which even Bradford fans admit.

2. Ben Barclay’s goal got you into the final but he won’t be able to play against his parent club, how big of a miss is he?

It is desperately sad that Ben can't play for us especially after he got us there, but I am delighted that he is travelling with the Carlisle squad. We have had critical injuries all season which is why we didn't make the automatic places. We are hopeful that our club captain Morgan Feeney will be back for Sunday.

3. When Paul Simpson took over for a second time back last year you were threatened with relegation. Now, you’re a game away from promotion. Just how good of a job has he done?

Paul Simpson has created positivity in the town, never mind the club or among the fans. The difference he created from the Tuesday he was appointed to the Saturday when we beat Leyton Orient shows how immense he is. It just keeps getting better.

4. It looked for a while like Carlisle would be making the top three, what contributed to the dip in form toward the end of the league season?

Injuries and two appalling and unjust red cards.

📈 Most goals fr. inside 6-yard box (top 4 tiers; 2022/23):

25⚽️: 💥CARLISLE💥, Ipswich
23⚽️: Arsenal, Burnley, Sheff U, Peterborough
22⚽️: Liverpool, Boro
21⚽️: Burton
20⚽️: Man City, Bristol City, Bristol R, Charlton#cufc @officialcufc pic.twitter.com/OxitbADXGw

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 24, 2023

5. What have been Carlisle’s main strengths this season?

Great spirit and teamwork among the players – the atmosphere in the club is huge.

6. It’s been almost ten years since Carlisle were last in League One, do you think the team will be ready for the step up if they do make it to the third tier?

No, we will need to make additions but Paul Simpson knows what he is doing and the owners don't dare to turn him down when the whole town is behind him.

7. What do you make of Stockport County this season, how do you think you will do against them?

They are a great team and beat us well at their place – we have struggled over the last two months but after the showing against Bradford City I think we will win.

8. Finally, what’s your prediction for the game?

It will be close but Carlisle will win – the manager and the spirit will take us through.

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🗞️ https://t.co/FjZpGaDTkH pic.twitter.com/XGVydEiNTZ

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 24, 2023