Altrincham FC vs Carlisle United
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Carlisle United - Who Are Ya?
1904
Formed
1909
Moved into Brunton Park, which has been their home ever since.
1928
Elected to the Football League Third Division North
1972
Beat Roma in the Anglo-Italian Trophy Group Stage
1975
Reach the top division for the first time, although were relegated
1977
Won the Football League Trophy
2023
Promoted to League One
2025
Relegated to the National League for the first time in 21 years, and successive relegations
History of the teams’ meetings
The two clubs first met each other last season. Carlisle won both fixtures, which helped boost their push for promotion, where they ultimately picked up 95 points.
Out of the two, the first was certainly more chaotic with two red cards being brandished on a day which merited a yellow weather warning from the Met Office! The other major talking points came through former Alty player Regan Linney. He scored a stunning goal, which later turned out to be decisive, whilst proceeding to celebrate in front of the Robins faithful.
Fun Facts
Ever since 1910, Moss Lane has been the home of Altrincham Football Club. The history and charm that comes with this can be really felt when walking around the ground.
Alty also haven’t ever played in the football league, which may be a surprise given how close they have been on numerous occasions. Twice rejected by the voting system, and, more recently in 2024, they got to the play-off semi-finals, only to lose to eventual promotion-winners Bromley.
Player Profiles - Altrincham
Tom Crawford
Crawford has been an absolute stalwart for Alty since he signed in the summer of 2024. Nothing’s changed this season, and if anything, he’s got even better.
He’s made quite the habit of scoring at the J. Davidson, with four home goals already this season. Altrincham’s number 22 and captain isn’t stopping anytime soon, as he continues to be the heroic figure that they need.
Jimmy Knowles
Like Crawford, Knowles has also got off to a flying start this season. The 25-year-old has continued his good form from last season with four goals.
Since making the switch from Boston to Alty, Knowles has been a crucial part of the attack. He was the club’s top goalscorer last season, and it’s really no surprise. Carlisle are no strangers to conceding to Knowles either, as the Robins’ talisman scored in both of last season’s fixtures.
Player Profiles - Carlisle United
Regan Linney
It’s difficult to talk about this game without covering this man. Once an Altrincham hero, now turned villain after last year’s game. Linney was a star under Phil Parkinson, scoring 25 goals in a season, and helping contribute towards one of their best seasons ever in 2024.
A move away was almost inevitable and it came in the summer of 2025, as he traded red and white for Carlisle blue. Last season, he continued his inevitable form with 33 goal contributions, though, it wasn’t enough to help the Cumbrians win promotion.
Miguel Azeez
Carlisle’s marquee signing of the summer,and it comes with good reason. Azeez is already impressing the blues faithful, having already provided two goals and two assists. He came through the ranks at Arsenal, and was highly regarded in his early years.
The 24 year-old has since spent time abroad, before making the National League his home. Uniquely, it’s not just Azeez’s football that has caught the eye either; his outfits and style when arriving at training have garnered plenty of attention!