Carlisle began 2026 hindered by Jack Frost
A game postponed training curtailed preparation quashed
Although the temperature had begun to rise
Carlisle needed to focus with eyes on the prize

Now visiting the University of Lancaster
To face the students to show them who was master
The Cumbrians started well moving forward in attack
Forcing the students to retreat. Hopes on track

Gaining an early short corner Holly strikes with zing
Ball arrows forward and makes the goalpost sing
Rachel and Bex in midfield controlling the play
Katie darting dangerously but held at bay

For a moment Carlisle think they have scored their first
But awarded a short corner a fraction before. Are they cursed?
The Cumbrians keep testing the home defence
Who stand up well when the pressure is intense

On twenty minutes Carlisle get a goal at last
Jenny diverts in Holly’s powerful blast
No more goals by the interval Lancaster full of resolve
Carlisle in charge Lancaster looking to evolve

And so they did with renewed vigour and vim
Gain their first short corner. Previous attacks had been slim
When their first shot had Anna hopping
The follow up had the whole team bopping

Much to Carlisle’s chagrin the scores were even
Not for long.Holly thundered in a short corner. Now rebelieving
The students were not ready to give up the ghost
In spite for much of the game looking beings on toast
Lancaster were looking dangerous on the break
Trying to force Carlisle into a vital mistake

A cross shot came in and rolled into the goal
Having been left by the visitors’ defence as a whole
They believed the shot came from outside the D
But a goal was awarded .How could it be?
All protestations came to no avail
Thankfully that was not the end of this tale

Ten minutes later with Captain Holly sidelined with cramp
A reorganized short corner routine gave this game its final stamp
Hattie was on hand to make it goal number three
And for Carlisle a victory guarantee