Setting the scene

The beginning of the 98/99 season brought new hopes to the United faithful. We had been relegated but we would bounce back, we had done it before. This was going to be a good year... wasn't it?

It didn't quite work out like that. From mid-table in the autumn, we were slowly but surely dragged nearer to the relegation trap door. In December, Michael Knighton finally stepped down from his position as "Director of Coaching" and Nigel Pearson was thrown in at the deep end, but was unable to stop the slide.

Popular Goalkeeper, Tony Caig, was sold on transfer deadline day and as the reserve keeper Paul Heritage was injured, Carlisle were handed special dispensation from the football league to bring in Derby  keeper, Richard Knight, on loan. April saw the trap door opening wide, and we suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Scarborough (3-0). Even the most optimistic fan now realised Carlisle had to fight for their league existence. April 24th saw a crucial home game against Darlington. By now Derby County had a goalkeeping injury crisis of their own and recalled Knight. So, with three games to go, Swindon Town agreed to loan out their goalkeeper, “St” Jimmy Glass. The Darlington game ended in a 3 - 3 draw. Carlisle attacked throughout the 90 minutes, but nerves were very evident and Darlington were more than ready to capitalise on any errors.

Two games left and Carlisle travelled to fellow strugglers Hartlepool for the last away game of the season. By the end of this match, fans feared the worst. Both sides had a couple of good chances in the first half, with Glass making a good save from Peter Beardsley's free kick, powered goalwards from long range. Hartlepool had every chance of staying up if they secured a draw. In the second half they shut up shop and Carlisle lacked both ideas and confidence to break through. A very depressing 0 - 0 draw.

All Carlisle could do now was wait for the final game of the season. Only one club had fewer points in the division, Scarborough. Scarborough had a midweek game against Plymouth Argyle, so had the chance to leapfrog Carlisle if they won. They took their chance and on the final day, Carlisle United were bottom of the Football League. To preserve their league status, they had to win their home match against Plymouth Argyle. But even that did not guarantee their safety. If Scarborough won their match against Peterborough, Carlisle were still doomed. For survival, Carlisle had to win - nothing less - and Scarborough had to lose or draw.

So the scene was set.

Scarborough played at home against Peterborough United and Carlisle played at home against Plymouth Argyle.

The most important match in the history of Carlisle United. Fourteen  players, whose collective performance that day would go down in Carlisle United folklore.

May 8th, 1999. A day for heroes.

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