CARLISLE UNITED - SATURDAY 23/09/2006

REPORT | IMAGES - KEVIN GALL THEMED EVENING | VIDEO
Carlisle is pretty much as far north as you can travel to watch a game of football without being in Scotland. A daunting trip of just under 400 miles was therefore broken up into two stages - the first being the 'Kevin Gall Themed Evening', in honor of Carlisle's great front man. This involved a night of bars and clubs in Manchester, while the Saturday saw us complete the journey and see if the Albion could take anything from the intimidating arena of Brunton Park

Somehow we have got back to the Travelodge. Witham awakes ahead of the day in prospect Kane is also in one piece, apart from a possible nose break following a head but
Cutting awakens, but has a slight problem McCarthys cheekbone is rather painful, along with a nasty cut lip, but he is still able to take advantage of the tea and coffee making facilities on offer
Witham is wearing undoubtedly the greatest socks Crocs on Tour will ever see The Turienzo shirt was again back on the case
Kane lets the side down in huge fashion, purchasing a bottle of water as opposed to the Crocs tradition of Blue Powerade McCarthy ensures that order is restored though
Cuttings eye was the slight problem mentioned earlier A bottle of coke was used in an attempt to reduce the swelling
It wasn't enough though, as a bottle of 7Up had to be thrown into the mix as well We ponder whether we should pop into the Reebok Stadium on the way and offer Sam Alardyce some money in a brown envelope
McCarthy soon resumes apple consumption And despite the mess he is in, Cutting is back on it again too

The rolling hills of the Lake District make you proud to be British This list ensured that the weekends finances were kept in order

McCarthy managed to lose his watch in all the escapades of the previous evening Licking the foot of this statue outside the Brunt
We enter a local public house Cutting was now wearing sunglasses to cover up his eye problem
Cheese and Tomato rolls all round as we enter the local rugby club They were rather delightful
John Hewitt was soon spotted in the area This chap once famously stacked it over a seat at Sheffield United while being filmed, and his panama hat suggested he was present at the cricket yesterday
Brunton Park in all her glory A main stand that was undoubtedly crammed with asbestos
This terrace was unfortunately not in use Kane looks forward to the game
Witham wonders whether the 400 miles journey would prove to be worth it Cutting laughs, despite not being able to see out of one eye
It would appear that once again, McCarthy was slightly worse for wear Rumble was also present at the game
Carlisle take the lead Dean Wilkins had clearly not been taking fashion advice from Mr McGhee
This flag informed us that Carlisle were infact the 2005-2006 League Two Champions, and highlighted the calibre of the opposition 2-0 Carlisle
The locals are happy as Carlisle dominate the game No, this is not some sick piece of photo editing, Maheta Molango is on the pitch
Kuipers manly body was between the sticks Bizarrely, this stand finished behind the back of the terrace
Carlisle gain a free kick Kevin Gall in all his glory
3-0 behind, and the fact that Cutting could only see out of one eye was fast becoming a positive as he could only appreciate half as much how awful the Albion were Alex Revell pulls it back to 3-1
Its game over though, and the ridiculously long journey ends in inevitable disapointment The players applaud the fans
These northerners would return to their homes happy with a 3-1 win Witham cannot quite believe what he has just seen
McCarthy is clearly distraught, but is soon buoyed by the thought of a 6 hour car journey home The day finishes on a high though, as we get to explore Tom Cuttings house in Preston, and ultimately steal some items