The bells of waiting Advent ring
Carlisle’s last game before Christmas
What fortune will the portents bring?
Merriment of the season or just a grimace

Away to Preston games usually tight
The home team youthful sharp and quick
Carlisle manage to blunt their bite
And launch attacks fast and slick

Creating chances but do not take
Frustrating for Captain Holly
Honours even at the break
Carlisle may rue their errant folly

Preston start second half with determination
Carlisle struggle to cope with incisions
Home team benefit from renewed motivation
Score twice with unnerving precision

Nearly twenty minutes to go
The Cumbrians wounded try to recover
With no further chances to show
Their form they could not rediscover
So disappointment for Carlisle and Holly
Not finding the season to be jolly

Carlisle wend their way home
Trying to recapture a glimmer of hope
Needing a break from feeling down
Giving a moment to avert the downward slope

Not long ago they felt invincible
They would find something to fight for
Back on the green turf surging forward
And winning would quell their aching heart

Now just road signs passing on the way home
Through the gloom as the miles tick by
Back to the city with lights ablaze
Where Christmas decorations appear
And tinseled trees in windows gaze
Heralding the festive time of year
Bunting and sleighs at the Town Hall
So Merry Christmas to you all