Evening Press Sport

For the second year in succession, Carlisle are staring into the abyss of relegation from the Football League.

One draw and six defeats from their last seven League matches saw them hit rock bottom in midweek, nine points adrift of the Minstermen but with three games in hand.

Judging by their current form - just two wins in 25 matches and one point from a possible 21 - they face a stiff task if they are to avoid relegation to the Conference.

Keeper Luke Weaver, who was linked with a move to City at the beginning of the season, is available for tomorrow's clash after missing the last three weeks through injury.

Defensive linchpin Stewart Whitehead, out for several months with a knee injury, is also fit and is expected to be recalled by Carlisle manager Martin Wilkinson.

Ruled out for three weeks with an ankle injury is Scottish international midfielder Rob McKinnon, who is on loan from Hearts.

Tomorrow's match will be preceded by the third quarter-final of York City's Schools Cup five-a-side competition as Osbaldwick take on St Lawrence's.

York City intermediates play Rotherham tomorrow (kick-off 11am) still looking for their first win in the Youth Alliance Premier Division North campaign.

City v Carlisle Utd Match Points

CITY have beaten the Cumbrians 17 times with 12 draws in the 35 previous League meetings between the clubs at York and scored 75 goals to 40 in the series.

Their biggest victories were 7-0 in 1934-5 when Maurice Dando scored a hat-trick and 6-0 in 1948-9.

Carlisle's biggest win at Bootham Crescent was 5-0 in 1957-8 - City's heaviest defeat at home since the Second World War.

The clubs last met at York in October 1997 when City came from 3-1 behind to win 4-3 with three goals in the last nine minutes.

Players to have appeared for both clubs include Gordon Staniforth, David McAughtrie, Keith Walwyn, Scott Endersby and Paul Baker.

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