Carlisle City have been handed a tough third round draw in the Isuzu Vase – although it is against opposition they know well.
They have been drawn away to fellow Northern League Division One rivals Crook Town.
It is the second year in a row that City have reached the third round stage of the national competition – and that’s the furthest they have been in the club’s history.
So far Dan Kirkup’s side have not conceded a goal in the competition – winning 1-0 at Guisborough and then beating high-flying Blyth Town 2-0 on Saturday.
Crook Town are 11th in the table but with matches in hand on all the main sides above them so they could end up as play-off contenders. They are six points better off than 16th placed City, and from three less games.
Kirkup said: “It’s a tough one and I have to be honest, we were hoping to avoid any of the three other teams left in from our League, especially away from home.”
The tie is not until Saturday, December 7 so plenty to occupy City before then, starting tomorrow night when they entertain Newcastle Benfield.
The draw, as it affected the northern teams left in was:
1 Crook Town v Carlisle City
2 Atherton LR v Ashton Town
3 South Liverpool v Albion Sports
4 West Didsbury & Chorlton v Silsden
5 Wombwell Town v Hallam
6 Redcar Athletic v North Shields
