Cumbria Football Clubs Face Tough FA Vase Tests and Local League Clashes
Football clubs across Cumbria are preparing for a busy weekend, with FA Vase action, county cup commitments and important league matches providing plenty of interest for supporters.
Carlisle City travel to Shildon on Saturday, 31 October, for their FA Vase second-round tie. The Northern League opponents present a difficult challenge, although City can take encouragement from their earlier 1-1 draw at Shildon in a league meeting this season.
City manager Dan Kirkup is dealing with several selection difficulties ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Aaran Taylor is unavailable because he is on holiday, while forward Jordan Irving is also missing due to work commitments. Kirkup acknowledged that his side would have a competitive starting line-up but limited experience among the substitutes.
Shildon enter the fixture after a 2-0 home victory over Yarm last weekend. They have also had no midweek match, while Carlisle City's scheduled home fixture was postponed. The result gives the hosts confidence heading into the cup encounter.
Holker Old Boys also have a significant FA Vase test, welcoming Winsford United to Rakesmoor Lane. Joint manager Dave Round is hoping that some injury concerns will clear before kick-off, although the team will still have players unavailable. Jamie Hodgson and Ryan Fagan, who were sent off during the midweek match against Nelson, remain available for selection.
Round described the fixture as an important opportunity for his side to progress further in the competition. Winsford will provide strong opposition after enjoying their best FA Vase run last season and currently sitting at the top of the Midlands League.
In the Northern League, Penrith have no Saturday fixture. However, they are due to welcome local rivals Kirkoswald to Frenchfield on Tuesday for the Fred Conway County Cup, offering supporters another local contest to look forward to.
Kendal Town return to league action at home against Newcastle Blue Star. They progressed in their Westmorland County Cup tie during the week after drawing 2-2 and winning the penalty shoot-out 4-3. The team will be hoping to regain momentum following recent setbacks, having recorded three victories in their last five Division One matches.
Windscale travel to Belmont United in the Wearside League after earning a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Brandon. Windscale needed a 91st-minute equaliser to secure a point, while Brandon's result moved them above Belmont in the table. Belmont, promoted last season, are still searching for their first league victory.
The West Lancashire League also features several fixtures involving Cumbrian clubs. In the Premier Division, Millom are away at Poulton, while Cleator Moor Celtic host CMB. Kendal County welcome title challengers Blackpool Wren Rovers, and Milnthorpe Corinthians take on Hurst Green at home.
With cup progression and league points at stake, the weekend offers plenty of important football across Cumbria, giving local supporters several opportunities to follow their clubs.
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