CONFERENCE: Cumbrians go to Gretna for next 'home' game

Carlisle United will cross the border to host Saturday's Nationwide Conference game against Leigh RMI in Scotland.

The match will be played at Raydale Park, the home of Gretna FC, who are currently top of the Scottish Third Division, with the kick-off scheduled for the usual time of 3pm. It is an all-ticket game due to the lower capacity of Gretna's ground.

The Cumbrians have been left with no option but to go 'around the grounds' following the terrible flooding in Carlisle, which has caused serious damage to the pitch and the stadium at Brunton Park.

Last Saturday's FA Trophy match against Redditch United, which Carlisle won 3-1, took place at Workington FC's ground Borough Park, but Tuesday night's Nationwide Conference fixture against Stevenage Borough has been postponed.

The clean up at Brunton Park is well underway, with a 12-strong team from Story Construction currently pressure washing every inch of the silt-covered stadium.

The flood water was drained from the pitch over the weekend, and the club hope a full assessment of the pitch will be possible soon.

Carlisle United's business manager George Thompson says they are hoping to be back playing their fixtures at Brunton Park next month. In the meantime, he told BBC Radio Cumbria: "We are trying to take the club to the fans around the region. It's a difficult one to balance as there is no perfect answer."

Fans should keep an eye on Carlisle's official website www.carlisleunited.co.uk for the latest developments at Brunton Park.