Carlisle United

Mansfield 1-1 Carlisle
Carlisle clinched their promotion to League One thanks to a 92nd-minute equaliser from top scorer Karl Hawley. Mansfield looked to have delayed the promotion party thanks to Richie Barker's clinical 63rd-minute goal. But Hawley then popped up after two great reflex saves from goalkeeper Jason White to smash home. Hawley's goal was the signal for wild celebrations among the travelling Carlisle fans as they clinched a second successive promotion. Mansfield: White, Baptiste (Russell 77), Day, Hjelde (Jacobs 61), Wilson, Uhlenbeek, Dawson, D'Laryea, Lloyd, Barker, Brown (Arnold 66). Subs Not Used: Pressman, Birchall. Booked: Wilson. Goals: Barker 63. Carlisle: Westwood, Arnison, Murphy, Gray (Glenn Murray 78), Aranalde, Billy, Adam Murray (Grand 82), Lumsdon, Hawley, Holmes (Hackney 56), Bridges. Subs Not Used: Williams, McGill. Goals: Hawley 90. Att: 4,488 Ref: D Drysdale (Lincolnshire).

Simpson is overjoyed at promotion
Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson was a happy man after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Mansfield guaranteed their second successive promotion. But with three games still to play, he warned that he still expects his side to win the League Two title. "It was a horrible game of football, but a wonderful day. I don't know how the ball went in, I think our fans were wishing it to go in," Simpson said. "Now we want to make sure that we finish top."

Murray pens contract at Carlisle
Carlisle United midfielder Paul Murray has signed a new 12-month deal which will finally enable him to re-launch his Brunton Park career next season. Murray, who started out at Carlisle before moving to QPR and Oldham, came back to the club in February following a spell with Portuguese side Beira-Mar. Red tape has prevented the 29-year-old from playing but a registration hold-up should be resolved over the summer. "He will be a great signing," boss Paul Simpson told the Evening News and Star.

Simpson expects Bridges to stay
Paul Simpson expects Michael Bridges to stay at Carlisle and spearhead their assault on League One next season. The striker, 27, has played a key role in the club's promotion with 12 goals in 17 games since signing from Bristol City on an 18-month deal in January. It has led to speculation about a summer move to a higher division. "He is under contract for next season and unless we get a good offer and Michael makes it clear he wants to go he will be here," manager Simpson said. "Like everyone else he wants to play at the highest level he possibly can. From all the noises I am hearing he wants to stay - it's not an issue." Simpson gave Bridges the chance to revive his injury-plagued career after the former England Under-21 forward started last season with an unsuccessful stint at Ashton Gate. "He wanted to play and we gave him the opportunity. He has been a very good signing and has loved every minute of it." The Cumbrians boss wants to keep his successful squad together and also has no intention of allowing Karl Hawley to leave following his 26 goals this season. "There has also been talk about Karl Hawley, but he is also under contract for next season," Simpson added.

Carlisle turn down Gulls request
Carlisle have refused Torquay permission to play on-loan defender Lee Andrews against them on Saturday. The Gulls asked the Cumbrians to reconsider the condition of the loan, that he would not play if there was anything at stake for Carlisle. Torquay boss Ian Atkins said: "If they had already won the title, they wouldn't have had a problem with it. "I can understand their decision. If we stop them winning the title and Lee helped us, it wouldn't look very good."

Rivers seals Carlisle departure
Carlisle forward Mark Rivers has left the club by mutual consent after talks with manager Paul Simpson. The 30-year-old joined the League Two leaders on a free transfer in January, when they took over the remainder of his Crewe contract. However, he started just two league games for the Cumbrians, as well as two in the Football League Trophy. "I'd like to thank Mark for what he's done in his time here," Simpson told his club's website.

Carlisle v Torquay
Carlisle boss Paul Simpson boasts a fully-fit squad as he aims to wrap up the League Two title at Brunton Park. Defender Danny Livesey played 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek and could return after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. Torquay are sweating on the fitness of 11-goal top scorer Tony Bedeau (knee) while Matt Hewlett (back) and Carl Priso (foot) have been ruled out. Jo Kuffour is on stand-by to replace Bedeau with James Sharp fit again.

Rochdale v Carlisle
Iyseden Christie's fitness is still causing concern for Rochdale. The striker missed the weekend win over Bristol Rovers and remains doubtful with a neck injury, while Jon Boardman and Blair Sturrock could make starts. Carlisle boss Paul Simpson may figure against his former club, having come off the bench on Saturday, as his side look to wrap up the League Two title. Brendan McGill is still sidelined with a dead-leg and Danny Livesey is set to miss a fifth game with an ankle injury.

Torquay move to sign up Andrews
Defender Lee Andrews has been offered a permanent deal with Torquay after being released by Carlisle. The 22-year-old spent seven games on loan with the Gulls at the end of the season, helping the club escape relegation from League Two. Andrews, who can play at right-back or in central defence, is currently considering Torquay's offer. Torquay have already boosted their defence in the close season with the signing of Stephen Reed.

Arnison set to stay at Carlisle
Carlisle right-back Paul Arnison has verbally agreed a new contract with the League Two champions. The 28-year-old former Newcastle stopper has made over 100 appearances for Paul Simpson's side. Boss Simpson said: "It's obviously very good to get this sorted out as it helps towards our planning for next season. "Arnie had a superb season for us and we're looking for more of the same as we move up a division. He's a great character to have around."

Gall enthusiasm at Carlisle move
Former Wales Under-21 international forward Kevin Gall has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Carlisle, following his release by Yeovil. The 24-year-old ex-Newcastle trainee scored 29 goals in 154 senior appearances for Yeovil. "I don't mind where I play, although I prefer to play up front," he told the Cumbrians' website. "When you look at the strikers here - Karl Hawley, Michael Bridges and Derek Holmes - I'll have my work cut out."

Carver undecided on Carlisle post
Leeds head coach John Carver is mulling over his future after he was given permission to speak to Carlisle about their vacant managerial hotseat. Carlisle are seeking a replacement for Paul Simpson who left the club to take over the reins at Preston. Carver, who was assistant to Bobby Robson at Newcastle, told the News and Star in Cumbria: \"I'm considering my options and haven't decided anything. \"I want a bit more time to have a think about the situation.\"

Carlisle 1-0 Doncaster
Carlisle got off to a winning start in League One in front of their biggest opening-day attendance for 35 years. The 12,000 crowd saw the Cumbrians open the scoring after four minutes against Doncaster when Paul Murray got on the end of Karl Hawley's cross to score. Doncaster should have levelled but keeper Kieren Westwood saved well from striker Paul Heffernan. Hawley and Kevin Gall nearly added a second before Rovers' Graeme Lee saw two headers cleared off the line. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carlisle: Westwood, Raven (Arnison 28), Gray, Murphy, Aranalde, Paul Murray, Billy, Lumsdon, Gall (Holmes 89), Hawley, Bridges. Subs Not Used: Williams, McDermott, Hackney. Booked: Arnison, Aranalde. Goals: Paul Murray 4. Doncaster: Blayney, Lockwood (McCammon 80), Stephen Roberts, Lee, Gareth Roberts, Coppinger (Price 59), Paul Green (Thornton 68), Horlock, Forte, Heffernan, Dyer. Subs Not Used: Smith, Fenton. Booked: Lockwood, Dyer. Att: 12,031 Ref: M Jones (Cheshire).

Chesterfield 0-0 Carlisle
Colin Larkin missed a glorious late chance to make it two wins out of two for Chesterfield as battling Carlisle held on for a goalless draw. The striker raced clear six minutes from time but drove his shot against the legs of keeper Kieron Westwood. It was one of the few clear-cut opportunities of a game that was tense but never boring. Mark Allott hit the outside of the post for the home side in a frantic finale before Larkin's miss. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chesterfield: Roche, Picken, Hazell, Downes, O'Hare, Allott, Niven, Hurst (Folan 86), Hall, Shaw (Allison 43), Larkin. Subs Not Used: Jordan, Kovacs, Bailey. Booked: Allott, O'Hare, Hazell. Carlisle: Westwood, Raven, Gray (Arnison 71), Murphy, Aranalde, Lumsdon, Billy, Paul Murray (Hackney 69), Hawley, Bridges, Gall (Holmes 83). Subs Not Used: Williams, McDermott. Booked: Bridges. Att: 4,525 Ref: K Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Murray hands in transfer request
Carlisle United midfielder Adam Murray has handed in a written transfer request to manager Neil McDonald. Murray, 25, is under contract until next summer, but McDonald told the club website: \"Murray's name will now be circulated to other clubs. \"A fee will be required and he will not be allowed to go out on loan. \"Until he gets a move he will not be involved in the first team, but aside from that he will be treated like any other player at the club.\" Murray moved to Brunton Park from Mansfield in May 2005.

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