Boxing Day for Town and Carlisle is 100 year reunion

Dec 23 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CARLISLE United were Town’s first-ever Boxing Day opponents – 100 years ago.

They headed South for a North Eastern League showdown at Leeds Road where the home side, managed by Fred Walker, won 3-0.

That completed a double, since Town had triumphed 1-0 at Devonshire Park, Carlisle’s ground before their current Brunton Park home, in October, 1908.

It was hardly a vintage campaign for either club, since Town, in their first-ever season, finished 16th in the 18-club league while Carlisle, formed in 1903, were just one place above.

Town made quicker progress up the football ladder, moving into the Midland League the following season and winning a Football League berth in 1910.

Carlisle were elected to the Third Division North in 1928.

The paths of the two clubs didn’t cross again until September 1961, when they clashed in the second round of the League Cup.