Blues v Blues In Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Having received a bye in the first stage of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Carlisle's luck has continued as they have been handed a home tie against lower league opposition, although the competition, with rested players aplenty, is notorious for upsets. Chester themselves having defeated a League One side in the first round, City winning 4-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes, at home to Crewe Alexandra.

Before the League Two matches scheduled for this afternoon Chester currently lie fourth in the table having lost 1-0 at home to Morecambe last night. Carlisle have an excellent record at home to City over the years, United winning 25 and drawing nine of the 40 games played at Brunton Park between the two sides, one of those victories being a 2-1 win in the then 1987-88 Sherpa Van Trophy Group Stage thanks to goals from Malcolm Poskett and Wes Saunders.

The second round tie at Brunton Park is scheduled to be played in the week commencing 8th October. It's not a Champions League week so some sensible ticket pricing offers may see a better than expected crowd attend the match. There is still one outstanding first-round tie between Wrexham and Macclesfield to be played though on Tuesday 18th September. The game was initially postponed because of Wrexham's international call-ups.


Johnstone's Paint Trophy draw in full :

North-West Section

Wrexham/ Macclesfield v Stockport
Carlisle v Chester
Morecambe v Port Vale
Rochdale v Bury

North-East Section

Doncaster v Oldham
Darlington v Leeds
Lincoln City v Hartlepool
Rotherham v Grimsby

South-West Section

Hereford v Yeovil
Bristol Rovers v Bournemouth
Swindon v Cheltenham
Swansea v Wycombe

South-East Section

M K Dons v Peterborough
Brighton v Barnet
Leyton Orient v Dag & Red
Gillingham v Luton

Remaining dates for this season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy:

Second round: Week commencing 8 October
Area quarter-finals: Week commencing 12 November
Area semi-finals: Week commencing 7 January
Area finals (first leg): Week commencing 18 February
Area finals (second leg): Week commencing 25 February
Final: Sunday, 30 March