BRIAN  WAKE

Height: 6'

Weight: 11st 2lbs

Forward

Brian was born in Stockton-on-Tees on the 13th of August 1982. He joined Carlisle United on the 5th of December 2001, from  Tow Law Town, signing a 3 year contract. He was tracked by many other clubs after scoring 50 goals in the Albany League the previous season. Initially Brian was signed by United for to play in the Avon League with the reserves before breaking through into the first team. Unfortunately the transfer embargo came into effect freezing him out of the first team squad for the 2001/02 season. He was loaned back to Tow law when the reserve season finished.

2002/03 season. On the bench for the first game of the season against Hartlepool at home, Brian was brought into the game in the 51st minute replacing Michael Jack. Pool proved too stern a test for the United team that had been hastily assembled in the week before the season started and by 72 minutes they were 3-0 down. Our young striker posted his intent with a consolation goal on 80 minutes. Mick Galloway put Brian through and he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper and into the net, a well taken debut goal.

United played Boston United at home on the 21st of September, ending the match as 4-2 winners, and this proved to be an exceptional day with Brian taking home the match ball. His first strike came on 14 minutes when David Freeman took a free kick from the left. Brian was quick to seize the opportunity to beat the Boston defenders and keeper and sidefoot the ball into the net. After Richie had made no mistake with a United penalty Brian got his second when Brian Shelley put a cross into the box. Richie nodded the ball down leaving Wakey to poke the ball into the goal. His third came on the stroke of half time after another free kick, this time taken by Peter Murphy. Richie was again on hand to turn provider, heading the ball down for Brian to pounce and claim his hat trick. Still learning his craft Brian had to be patient through the season waiting his chance to show what he could do. By the closing games, with United dangerously near the bottom of the table, it was a time for players to show their determination as well as skill. Brian came through the test with flying colours. After a consolation goal away at Wrexham in a 6-1 defeat, a win away at Torquay on the 25th of April proved vital. United went ahead through Craig Russell in the 30th minute. On 37 minutes Richie laid a ball back for Wakey to volley straight into the top of the net. The game was won 3-2 and all was set up for the match at Shrewsbury the following Tuesday, where a win would guarantee league safety. The match was always going to be a very tense affair, not helped by Shrewsbury taking the lead with a disputed penalty in the 32nd minute. Step forward Brian Wake. On 34 minutes Craig Russell took a free kick which eventually broke to Brian six yards out and he calmly slotted the ball home. Only a minute later Ryan Baldacchino spotted Wakey in acres of space about 18 yards from goal. Sending over a great pass Brian was on his own with just the keeper to beat. Showing no nerves he rounded the goalie to slot home. His hat trick was completed in the 50th minute. A long ball from defence was won by Foran who flicked on to Brian. This time he had two defenders to beat before beating the keeper, but he wasn't to be denied.

An excellent first year in the league, Brian has shown that he can be relied on when things get tough.

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