We turn our attentions to Saturday's derby action with a full and in-depth preview of Carlisle United's League Two visit to The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
Barrow v Carlisle United
Saturday 19th March 2022, 3pm
The Dunes Hotel Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
In Opposition
Carlisle United arrive at The Dunes Hotel Stadium on Saturday looking to bounce back following their first defeat under returning boss Paul Simpson.
The popular Simpson led The Cumbrians to back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One between 2004 and 2006, and he was persuaded back to the Club last month to succeed Keith Millen.
His appointment inspired a four-game winning sequence which saw Carlisle climb out of the bottom two and breathe new life into their fight to stay in League Two.
However, they were beaten at home by Newport County in midweek and now The Bluebirds know a victory on Saturday would take them back above their Cumbrian rivals in the table.
One To Watch
Omari Patrick has been Carlisle United’s biggest goal threat in recent weeks after hitting the ground running following his return to Brunton Park during the January transfer window.
The front man has scored seven times and he hit the net in each of Paul Simpson’s first three games in charge as The Cumbrians hit a winning streak under their new boss.
Patrick previously joined Carlisle from Bradford City in January 2020 and scored seven goals in 47 appearances before moving on to Burton Albion last summer.
Head To Head
Carlisle United’s last visit to The Dunes Hotel Stadium ended all square when The Bluebirds came from behind to lead 2-1 only to concede a late penalty which was tucked away by Offrande Zanzala.
The last meeting between the sides, at Brunton Park in November, also finished in a draw as neither side troubled the scorer during a largely disappointing encounter.
Referee
Robert Madley will be on the whistle for Saturday’s big game at The Dunes Hotel Stadium as he oversees his second Barrow fixture of the campaign.
The experienced official returned to the EFL’s list of referees last term and was the man in the middle for our 2-1 defeat to Newport County back in September.
Madley’s most recent appointment was in League One last weekend when he watched MK Dons and Wigan Athletic play out a 1-1 draw at Stadium MK.
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday’s game are available to home fans in advance online and from The Dunes Hotel Stadium which will remain open until 4pm on Friday.
On the day of the game, tickets will be available from 10am from Main Reception (card payment only) and from the Ticket Booth in the Fan Zone from 12noon (cash and card payment).
Fans are advised that the Main Stand is completely sold out so only standing tickets remain. No tickets will be sold to visiting supporters.
Click here for all the information you need on buying tickets for Saturday’s game.
Live Streaming
There will be no live stream for fans living in the UK due to the restrictions around Saturday afternoon broadcasting.
However, fans who live abroad will be able to access live footage as normal and can pick up their International Video Match Pass right now for just £10.
Click here to add your Match Pass ahead of kick-off.
Live Commentary
iFollow is the only place that fans can listen to live online commentary of every game this season as we continue our link-up with our friends at BBC Radio Cumbria.
Fans will be able to listen to expert Bluebirds commentator Adam Johnson, who will be joined by John Goodwin and Chris Lumsdon to describe all the derby action as it unfolds.
You can purchase an Audio Match Pass for £2.50, an Audio Monthly Pass for £4.49 or sign-up for Audio Season Pass which provides all live commentary and video news for just £45.
Click here now to subscribe to iFollow.
Betting
The Bluebirds have been installed as 23/20 favourites for three points on Saturday, with Carlisle rated a 12/5 shot for victory and the draw priced up at 21/10 with our friends at Sky Bet.
Click here now to take a look at a full list of markets ahead of this weekend’s game.