Carlisle City Sunday League

The opening weekend results with a shout out. Games of the week mini preview too ⚽️

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Gavan Wilmot is fairly new to the Sunday league football scene here in Carlisle but has already become a recognisable figure on the pitch with the charm of the Irish accent accompanying him. In an era where we need referee’s more than ever in the grassroots game, Gavan is a very reliable man and match official who we appreciate as the man in the middle whoever he’s refereeing on a Sunday morning.

Q: How did you first get into refereeing and why Carlisle Sunday league?
A: I trained as a referee in 2023 after I had previously been a player and then Sunday league manager in Leicester. I had done all the significant roles in football and refereeing was one I decided to try out after my wife suggested it. I must thank her for the idea as it has been a great experience so far. I linked up with CCSL as I believe Sunday football is one of the more challenging football environments but I had played and managed in it and I feel most comfortable and compatible due to my age and experiences in Sunday football as a match official.

Q: What is the best goal, save or piece of football witnessed as ref?
A: This pre season I refereed a fixture between The Currock Inn and The Sun Inn from Aspatria and a young player scored a sensational overhead kick on the back post which reminded me of the overhead by Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Real Madrid against Juventus in Champions league years ago and this one in Aspatria was better.

Q: Is there one particular match from your time referring in CSL that stands out?
A: I did a cracking top of table clash last season on Melbourne park between the Cranemakers (now The Currock Inn) and Club Britannia with a lively crowd on sidelines that finished 2 all. It had all that you want from a football game with fire and brimstone but played in that right fighting Cumbrian spirt I have discovered.

Q: Any memorable players or characters you have encountered that stand out?
A: I have not been here long but all the sides I have officiated have the usual charmers, moaners, committed and under whelming players. Sunday morning football is the same everywhere and that’s why we love it.

Q: Have you any advice to young referee in Carlisle Sunday league and beyond?
A: To be a good match official, it is essential that you love football itself. If you come primarily because the pay is good, it will become a miserable experience in the end. Make it a mission in those beginning seasons to really study the laws of the game and be self-motivated to get better week by week and you will see the progress and most importantly, the confidence required to referee 11 a side football.

Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge when refereeing CSL?
A: Unnecessary and uncalled for dissent/ disrespect can spoil some matches not just for the official but both clubs also.

Q: What is your favourite venue to referee at and why?
A: The Sheepmount on a bright Sunday is marvellous venue when all the pitches are in use and you see all the teams in chirpy form before the first whistle. That is the best of Grassroots football and it is hard to beat.

Q: Pre match routine?
A: The kit is ready the night before. I’m up early to have breakfast, and feel relaxed before traveling to venue. I arrive by 10 am to check the pitch and conditions and get myself focused on challenges ahead. Always make sure you have your whistle and watch as I have, on a few occasions, nearly forgotten.

Q: What do you most enjoy about referring?
A: Assisting local grassroots football to keep sustaining itself and develop and seeing up close motivated and talented new footballers emerging whatever age or gender. Football has to have match officials to make association football look and be official. I have always appreciated the unsung heroes of the grassroots game such as the secretaries, coaches and committee people in the league and club. It’s these peoples work that helps find the superstars of tomorrow.

Q: What is your ambition as referee?
A: I gained promotion to Level 6 last season which I had worked hard at over previous seasons to achieve, and I believe I could consider promotion to L5 and look to become a better and more competent match official. I will consider application later in season.

If you are a referee and would like to feature in ‘The Man in the Middle’ then please message the page!

Opening weekend ✅

The first weekend of the season is in the books and big wins all round for some whilst others will be looking to write wrongs of a disappointing opening game.

In the Premier League, 25/26 champions, Club Britannia got off to the perfect start as they beat fellow promoted side, The Currock Inn 3-0 in convincing fashion. Reigning champions, Scotby also get off to a winning start with a 6-2 victory over Longtown. Scoring 2 against a defensively sound team will give Longtown confidence going into the next round of fixtures. Denton Holme also got a convincing looking win over Gosling Bridge to get their season off to a solid start as they look to stay at the top and an Influx of solid signings contributed to a good performance for Harraby as they grabbed the 3 points in an entertaining game at Thursby vs Dalston FC who will look to get their season on track next week in the first Dalston derby of the season.

In Division 2, the result of the weekend arguably comes from Beehive Reunited as they hit 10 in a big win vs Edentown to top the table after game 1 with a good goal difference already. A young Newlaithes team also get off to the start they wanted as they beat Re United 4-1 whilst there was goals galore as Stanwix hit 4 but it wasn’t enough to get a share of the points as Wheatsheaf go away with the 3 points after a 5-4 win. Finally, a close game on paper between Upperby and Clubhouse and both teams ended up with a share of the spoils as it ended 2-2. Both will be happy but wondering what could’ve been on another day.

We look ahead to week 2 with some teams looking to carry on a good start & others looking to get their season going.

Our league’s are included in the craic this week on the ‘3 in the middle’ podcast with Lummy, Skip & Dylan McGeouch.

Tune in weekly for a regular bit of time with results from the past weekend across both our leagues and a mention from the lads on the games of the week from each division. ⚽️📻🏆

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The opening weekend preview ⚽️

Most pictures courtesy of Paul Brecken 🤩⚽️

With the leagues returning this coming Sunday, there are naturally a lot of big fixtures to kick off the Carlisle Sunday league season.

Each week a game from each division will be chosen as ‘Game of the Week’ for an extended focus as Sunday arrives.

Premier League: Scotby vs Longtown
🏟️: Hartley Trust Playing Fields, Scotby

Scheduled Referee: Stuart McGregor

Current league position:
Scotby N/A - Longtown - N/A
Form:
Scotby N/A - Longtown N/A

The first of the premier league focus turns to the reigning Premier League champions, Scotby who welcome newly promoted, Longtown. Scotby will be hopeful of another successful season in and out of Carlisle (in the county cup) and Longtown will be aiming to cement themselves in the premier league and have a successful season of their own.

Scotbys view:
What are you expecting from Longtown on Sunday?:
Expecting a tough game after Longtown’s performance in the second division last year. Very unfortunate not to win the league themselves and sure to be a good test for us.

Players to look out for in the opposition ranks:
Luke Firth who has just signed for them from us will be a one to watch. We know what to expect from him and know our defenders are in for a busy morning

Squad preview for Sunday:
Decent numbers available for this week, unfortunately Aaron Roberts, one of our players of the season last year looks like he will be out for a while with a knee injury along with one or two more unavailable due to holidays and work.

Longtown’s View:
What are you expecting from Clubhouse on Sunday?: Expecting one of the toughest games of the season starting out in the new league at current prem champions they are a great team but we’re not going there looking to get beat we will have to be at our best to get any sort of result we all know this.

Players to look out for in the opposition ranks: From past experiences and general knowledge they’ve got good players all over the park Shane doward,Tom mc , Ronan Irving Swanny in goal they’ve got players all over the pitch that can hurt you if you make a mistake they will punish you.

Squad preview for Sunday: We should be taking a squad of 16 to scotby on Sunday ready to take on the champs no pressure for the lads quite a few new signings down a new captain in Harvey Gordon hopefully give everyone in this league and cause some upsets.

Division 2: Upperby SC vs Clubhouse
🏟️: Sheepmount

Scheduled Referee: George W Carter

Current league position:
Upperby N/A - Clubhouse - N/A
Form:
Upperby N/A - Clubhouse N/A

In Division 2, Upperby vs Clubhouse could, even at this early stage, be a big fixture as both teams have ambitions of aiming for the top of the league. Both teams will be determined to get off to a positive start so a big game in store on Sunday.

Upperby’s View:
What are you expecting from Clubhouse on Sunday? We are expecting a quick and strong start from the clubhouse this Sunday. We’ve had a couple of games with them since we started last year, and they are 1 hell of a side. Very strong and like to be in control from the first whistle. We did beat them pre season but both teams had a lot of players missing so I am hoping we’re in for a solid and competitive game.

Players to look out for in the opposition ranks: Toby Heaney stood out for me last year from the clubhouse, very vocal and just conducts the game from wherever he is on the pitch.

Squad preview for Sunday:
We’ve got a couple players missing Sunday like Owen Thorpe, Ryan Gill, Luke Smith. And a few more too. We will see a few of the new signings with the Upperby shirt on on Sunday.
We are looking forward to it!

Clubhouse’s View:
What are you expecting from Upperby on Sunday?: Judging by social media posts and how they played towards the back end of last season we are expecting a tough game. Seen big improvements and look to of made some solid signings so can see them having a good season.

Players to look out for in the opposition ranks: Going to go with 2 of the lads that played last season in Owen Thorpe and Sol Bell

Squad preview for Sunday: We are looking in a good place for sunday. Some unavailable due to a wedding but on the whole a very good squad and the lads cant wait to get going. Bit of a selection headache for me to be honest which can only be a good thing!

Good luck to all teams starting this weekend & hoping for a competitive and injury free season 👍⚽️

The latest in our ‘inside’ series takes us to reigning premier league champions, Scotby. After a few seasons of chasing the sun, Scotby finally got their hands on the premier league title after fending off Denton Holme & Pirelli in a competitive top of the league scene in 25/26. Of course, expected to be competing for honours again this season, ambitions are high in the squad. Could they do it again?

Club Name: Scotby FC
League: Premier Division
Home ground: Hartley Trust Playing Fields, Scotby
Manager: Matty Hand
Captain: Ronan Irving
Home Pub: The Clubhouse, Stoneyholme

Sponsors:
Interfresh, AMP Green, Lloyds, BK Screenprint

Best moments for the club so far:
Prem Winners 2025/26
Division 2 Winners 2017/18
And a whole load of silver medals.

Pre season preparations:
Bit light on friendlies due to availability of pitches, opposition and our own players. Just the one game v Harraby last Thursday.

Players to watch:
The Williamson Brothers

Hopes for the season ahead:
Hope to be competitive on all fronts again. And with entry into the Sunday FA cup confirmed, a good run in that would be nice.

Ones to watch (other teams):
As always - Denton Holme.
League looks competitive across the board with all of the newly promoted sides making good signings!

Where to find the club on social media:
X - Scotby FC
Facebook - Scotby FC