Brunton Park

16th April 2002

Carlisle United 0-0 Cheltenham Town

I drove down to Carlisle on a whim to take in this game – even now I can see the mixture of shock and bemusement on Father-in-Law’s face when I told him I had driven to Carlisle and back for an evening football match. “Why?” he asked.  “You are asking the wrong person here”, I thought.

But after parking in Carlisle, I did meet couple of folks whose behaviour was at least as singular as my own.  Unfamiliar with the town, I stopped a pair of likely looking lads who had that purposeful stride thing going on – you know the one; that men on their way to the football do.  I asked directions and, as I had hoped, was told “Follow us.  We’re on our way to the ground”. 

But here’s the thing.  They were not going to watch the match, but solely to protest outside.  Apparently, each home match (presumably not away ones), they went along to Brunton Park, stood outside and shouted abuse at club owner, Michael Knighton for 15 minutes or so.  Then they went home again.  This made my 240 mile round trip look positively sane, and I consoled myself 240 miles was a good deal less than the Cheltenham supporters were undertaking.

But they, I suppose, at least had the excuse of an emotional investment in the outcome of the match.  Particularly so as a win would guarantee Cheltenham Town promotion to (what was then) Division Two.  However, the travelling support were to endure a dreadfully frustrating evening as their side failed to break down a Carlisle side who were effectively marking time until the end of the season, and hence seemed content just to make as big a nuisance of themselves as possible to their visitors. 

A tall youngster by the name of Nathan Tyson, who had come on as a late sub for the visitors had a chance to see his name in lights right at the end, but biffed his attempt straight at Carlisle ‘keeper Peter Keen.  

In the event Cheltenham did achieve promotion that season, but only via the tortuous route of the play-offs.

The exterior of Brunton Park Main Stand in 2002

Same view in 2022

Cheltenham Town fans (2002) in East Stand.

Slightly fewer Northampton fans in 2022, even though this was a Saturday's match.
Loads more Carlisle bods.

The Warwick Road End enclosure, with its triple-triangle roof in 2022.

A few more advertising boards on the roof gables....and WAY more home fans in 2022.
Was the low home support in 2002 solely due to the Knighton effect?
2,184 in 2002, a whopping 8,514 in 2022

****************************************************************************

Carlisle United 2-1 Northampton Town

12th March 2022

Programmes !!
Today's was a double header, also covering the club's match with Newport three days later.

Access to East Stand via Thirlwell Gardens

The Warwick Road End is the standing terrace behind one of the goals.
The one with the triple-gable roof.

Carlisle United Blues Store on Warwick Road.

Exterior to The Main Stand - which was sold out.  Impressed.

If the Brunton Park floodlights are not the most unique in the country,
they must be up there with the oddest.

Northampton Town contingent.

Panorama of Brunton Park, Carlisle United.

Carlisle v Northampton - March 2022

Note how the East Stand extends way beyond the goal-line.
The stand was built in this position in anticipation of the pitch being
moved to accommodate re-development of the Warwick Road End.
Which never happened.

Carlisle v Northampton - March 2022

Northampton's Number 6 Fraser Horsfall has a dig...

...which smacks into the head of his opposite number Dinel Simeu.

Saw this scored into The Paddock concrete flooring.
It does seem rather unlikely.

Brunton Park Warwick Road End.  The roof was erected in 1965,
subsequent to the club's promotion to the (old) Division Two that year.

Panorama of Brunton Park, Carlisle United.

The Main Stand, with Paddock in front.

A lost hat.

We had two pitch invaders, neither of whom looked as if they were long out of primary school.
The second was huckled off in handcuffs, with his arms twisted up his back.
Which seemed to me to be a bit of an overreaction.

Carlisle v Northampton - March 2022

Brunton Park East Stand.

With a half-hour or so to spare in Carlisle pre-match, I made my way to the castle.  Had I a bit more time on my hands, I may have shelled out the £12.50 entry fee, but there was enough of interest on the exterior to keep me snapping.