CARLISLE UNITED (Brunton Park)

FA CUP 4th ROUND, CARLISLE UNITED 0-3 EVERTON, ATTENDANCE: 17,101

After Wednesday nights capitulation in the League Cup against Manchester City, the last chance for Everton to rescue their train wreck of a season lies with the FA Cup so, along with 3,600 other Blues, I made my way north to Brunton Park where Carlisle United were hosting The Toffees.

Carlisle has been in the news massively in the last couple of months as the town, and ground, was battered by storm Desmond in the run up to Christmas.

The Brunton Park pitch was left 7ft underwater and damage was caused throughout the stadium. In the meantime the club have played their 'home' games at Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool. Carlisle finally returned home last week when they played out a 1-1 draw with York City.

Carlisle beat Yeovil on penalties, after a replay, in the last round and were rewarded with a home tie against Premier League Everton. The pitch was relaid at a cost of around £150,000 in order to be able to host the game today. However other parts of the ground remain out of commission, indeed the showers for the players were actually outside the main entrance. Credit must go to the club for just getting this game on. Hopefully the TV money and gate receipts wil help a little to getting the club back on it's feet. Everton fans also contributed a small amount via a just giving fundraising effort.

I parked up just off the M6 and walked down Warwick Road and it was just awful to see the devastation the storm had caused. There were skips full of water damaged furniture and you could see the watermarks on the windows. It really hit home and I genuinely felt for the people of Cumbria.

 As the two nearest drinking establishments to Brunton Park were shut, there was no chance of a beer before the game (the 'fan zone' at the ground was for Carlisle fans only) so I made may way into the ground . The stadium looked in fine fettle from my place on the terrace.

The Foxes mascot!

The game was effectively over after 15 minutes thanks to goals from Arouna Kone (2) and Aaron Lennon (14). I was surprised at Carlisle's tactics as they allowed Everton the time and space to pass the ball with ease.
It was far too comfortable for the Toffees.

Everton legend Peter Reid
working for TV

The rain started to fall during the first half and at half time the DJ showed the Cumbrians still had their sense of humour by blasting out James Bay's  'Hold Back The River'.

Carlisle had a couple of half chances in the second period but a fine Ross Barkley (60) effort sealed Everton's passage into the last 16.