It’s a Potteries double for Cumbria’s two League Two sides in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Carlisle United have pulled Stoke City at Brunton Park while Barrow have landed a home draw with Port Vale.
United manager Paul Simpson was very pleased with the draw, the first time United have played Stoke since the 1985/86 Division Two season.
He told the club website: “I think that’s an excellent draw for us. We are away at Gillingham on the opening day so it’s a good first game at Brunton Park for the fans and it makes a really nice change to be drawn at home in a cup competition.”
Barrow’s home tie game Port Vale pits them against a side who were relegated, along with Carlisle, last season but new manager Stephen Clemence will relish the chance of making progress through a home tie.
The Cup draw came as Barrow announced that experienced midfielder Sam Foley has signed a new one year deal with the Bluebirds.
Foley was signed by former manager Pete Wild in the summer of 2022 and has been an ever-present since the clocking up 92 appearances over the two seasons, knocking in a dozen goals.
Although 37, Foley is a hard-working player who has been a fixture for the Bluebirds since joining them. He’s closing in on completing 20 years in the game as he signed his first professional contract for Cheltenham Town back in 2006.
Barrow’s sporting director Ian Wood said: “Last season Sam clearly demonstrated the immense value he brings to the squad. He is still eager to continue playing and making a significant contribution to the team and his extensive experience is truly invaluable to the younger members of the squad.”
Meanwhile Barrow have announced that goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach, Josh Lillis, is leaving the club after terms could not be agreed on a new contract.
Lillis, 37, joined Barrow in September 2020 following their promotion to the Football League and served as a backup goalkeeper and keeper coach for the next three seasons.
When called-upon he played 15 times for the Bluebirds, mainly in the Cup competitions, and the club has placed on record a huge level of gratitude for all his efforts while at the club and have wished him all the best for the future.
