Carlisle have been forced to pull out of Saturday’s County Cup semi-final against Penrith.
The Warwick Road side had beaten Egremont to reach the last four of the competition before the season got underway but have not yet managed a win in Regional Two North.
A side in transition have suffered a number of squad-sapping injuries including a serious one to the experienced Max Connan in Saturday’s 45-0 home defeat by Durham City.
A club statement said: “Unfortunately we have reluctantly decided to concede the County Cup semi-final against Penrith.
“Following an assessment on Tuesday of our lengthening injury list, player availability and front row options, we have decided, that to protect the squad from further potential injuries, we must concede the semi-final game to Penrith.
“It was a difficult decision but necessary to protect those carrying niggles and injuries to recover for our league schedule.”
Saturday had been set aside for the County Cup semi-finals as there is a break in League fixtures.
The other semi-final will go ahead and is a proper David and Goliath affair with Upper Eden hosting Kendal who play at two levels higher.
The Kirkby Stephen side are in good form, however, still unbeaten this season so far after going through last season’s Cumbria League campaign without dropping a point.
In their County Cup quarter final ahead of the new League season they beat Aspatria from the League above.
Kendal have only won one game so far in Regional 1 North West but will be expected to win this one and progress to the final against Penrith.
