Carlisle United 0-1 Doncaster Rovers (2003)

Carlisle United 0-1 Doncaster Rovers

Nationwide Division Three

Saturday 29th November 2003

 

Everyone surely remembers their first away day and this obscure trip 'up north' to witness a Division Three clash involving Carlisle United and Doncaster Rovers was mine!

Despite being tagged as 'relegation favourites' amongst many bookmakers before a ball had even been kicked, Rovers had surprised many people with their impressive form and found themselves in an automatic promotion spot, level on points with local rivals Hull City, and just a point behind table-toppers Oxford United.

Fortunes had been much less favourable for Carlisle, however, because their wretched form meant that even with over half the season still to play, relegation already looked to be a foregone conclusion. The Cumbrians found themselves on a confidence-crushing 10-game losing streak and they were completely rooted to the bottom of the Football League with just five points to show from 19 outings. Paul Simpson, who had replaced Roddy Collins just a few weeks into the new campaign, could have hardly encountered a tougher start to his fledgling managerial career.

Even though much has changed around the world, there are some similarities between then and now - thanks largely to a certain Shane Richie. Nowadays stuck in a multi-camera Welsh castle filled with creepy-crawlies, the actor was at the height of his EastEnders popularity back in November 2003 and his hit single 'I'm Your Man' for Children In Need received plenty of air-time on the radio on the way up to Cumbria! 

Aside from seeing dozens of green fields adjacent to the A66 from Scotch Corner to Penrith, another memory from the journey north is hearing news that a stray firework had struck someone in the crowd prior to Wolves' Premier League home game against whoever they were playing. The journey itself, on one of the fleet of six coaches organised by the Supporters Club, took around four hours and though it was cold upon arrival, the sun was shining - something which would change drastically over the next few hours!

With the Petterill End behind the goal permanently closed, the 600 or so supporters who made the trip were housed in a wing section of the relatively new 'East Stand' which was shared with Carlisle's fans who were located on the other side of some segregation netting.

The atmosphere was decent with plenty of chants going back and forth as kick-off approached amidst the nerves that comes with being a football fan. Would Dave Penney's team be able to get another three points and maintain what was fast-becoming a promotion push at the top of Division Three or would Carlisle be able to arrest their horrendous form at long last. A peculiar pre-match rendition of 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor over the PA system signalled the hosts' intent.

Deteriorating windy weather, which I remember swung the scoreboard back and forth, ensured the game was far from a classic. Though you couldn't fault the effort levels of Carlisle's players who battled bravely, created several chances and put up a good showing, Rovers always looked that bit cuter and composed in crucial areas and they made the hosts pay for several missed chances thanks to a Leo Fortune-West goal midway through the second period.

It proved important as Rovers went on to top the Division Three table by Christmas - a position they would never relinquish for more than a couple of games as they ultimately became champions to earn a second successive promotion. Carlisle, however, didn't finish bottom and instead launched a stirring fightback to try and avoid relegation. They got above themselves above York City, who they were 23 points adrift of at the time of this game, but nobody else and ultimately fell into the Nationwide Conference for the first time in their history before escaping it at the first attempt in 2004/05 and then emulating Rovers' exploits in achieving back-to-back promotions.

Sadly, prices have increased substantially compared to nowadays. This day out - including travel, a match ticket, a programme AND something to eat, cost under £30! It's an ironic twist that the two clubs will meet again, today, on the 17th anniversary and just a shame no fans are permitted as it's certainly one game which I'd have gone based on nostalgia alone.