You might think that proud record would make United the most successful team in the competition's 19-year history but in fact it doesn't. Carlisle's Millennium Stadium opponents Bristol City are in their record-breaking FOURTH final. Last time out, they lost to Stoke at Wembley in 2000. Previous to that they had a victory over Bolton in 1986 and a defeat to Mansfield in 1987. 76,663 watched on April 23 1995 as the Cumbrians rolled into Wembley for the first time in the club's then 91-year history. Two hours later United's players lay face down on the hallowed turf, defeated by the first-ever golden goal in a Wembley final. But the dejection didn't last long. The underdogs had given a very good account of themselves and were rarely second-best to big-spending ambitious Birmingham who brought 49,000 fans with them. Rod Thomas and Paul Conway wasted Carlisle's best two openings while captain David Reeves almost put through his own goal. Paul Tait's blond locks reached out two minutes from the end of the first period of extra-time to head home Ricky Otto's left wing cross. United, who had had to take off their key defender Derek Mountfield a few minutes earlier, were shattered. Tait for his part ran to the Wembley dog track and pulled off his blue shirt to reveal a T-shirt bearing the legend BIRMINGHAM CITY SHIT ON THE VILLA. For this, he got into trouble, but it was all done in the spirit of the occasion. Delighted Brummie boss Barry Fry danced a Wembley jig of delight while Mick Wadsworth, Mervyn Day, Peter Hampton and Joe Joyce had to accept defeat with calm dignity.
Without wishing to tempt fate, I must point out that neither of United's two Wembley bosses, Mick Wadsworth in '95 and Mervyn Day in '97, were still in their jobs 12 months after those finals. Roddy Collins may care to take note. LDV (or Auto Windscreens) finals are not necessarily a sign of job security. Despite both finalists familiarity with the Twin Towers of Wembley, this will be both sides' first trip to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the jewel in the crown of the Welsh capital since it opened in 1999 on the site of the former Cardiff Arms Park. Just look at the facts and figures of the place - 72,500 seats, a unique sliding roof to keep the rain out, a camera that glides across the pitch on wires, a plethora of restaurants and a healthy 17 bars. Both sets of fans will not be short of refuelling opportunities. Carlisle hope to take 15,000 supporters with them while big-spending, ambitious Bristol could hit 40,000. United will be underdogs. Much bigger underdogs than in 1995 when they came to Wembley on the brink of clinching the 3rd Division title. City are currently 40 places higher in the league pyramid - that's almost two divisions. On paper, we don't stand much of a chance. Football is of course played on grass, not on paper. Lee Peacock, who played for United's victorious '97 team is set to make another final appearance for the opposition. The 27-year-old, who was recently voted one of Britain's most eligible hunks, could put himself in the shop window a bit if he scores against us in the Cardiff show-piece. For Carlisle, Jon McCarthy brings that rarity to the squad - experience of a major final at the Millennium Stadium. The 32-year-old winger appeared there for Birmingham City against Liverpool in the 2000-01 Worthington Cup Final, a match which ended in agony for McCarthy and the Brummies with defeat on penalties. Poetic justice for that '95 defeat? Well it's all part of the game. It should be a cracking occasion. Coming in the middle of a relegation dogfight, it might seem a little bizarre to be taking 50-odd coachloads down to Cardiff for a game that has no bearing on that battle, but it might just provide the lift that the players and supporters need. Winning the LDV could provide the belief to take on and win the much more important fight for league survival. Here's hoping. Picture from News & Star |
