New Season, new opponents, new captain, Holly
Carlisle travelled the long distance to face Macclesfield
Last years away games brought mainly melancholy
So the Cumbrians resolved to shine and not to yield

Holly had taken the reins from the redoubtable Alice
So when the home side scored from their first attack
You might wonder if Holly had received a poisoned chalice
The visitors behind so early but still time to get on track

The Cheshire side emboldened by their fast start
Tested the Carlisle defence with power and pace
The Cumbrians repelled their opponents with a steady heart
Denying Macclesfield until half time. Still in the race!

Three goals conceded by Carlisle soon after the break
Gave the Cheshire side what seemed a decisive lead
The Cumbrians were far from done and gave themselves a shake
Katie scored slicing through the home team with speed

Although Macclesfield added a fifth goal
Carlisle replied with a strike from Nic
The Cumbrians revived and were on a roll
The team were now looking quick and slick

Alice returning to the fray following a blow
Turned the Cheshire defence inside out
Before slotting home the visitors third with time to go
Giving Macclesfield a fright: Sowing seeds of doubt

The final whistle came too soon for the resurgent team and Holly
Carlisle’s fightback had been greatly to their credit
Holly’s first game in charge turned out not to be an act of folly
What was heading for a rout ended with some merit
Carlisle set off on their long journey home not downcast but jolly