A CUMBRIAN DERBY

Founded in 1901, Barrow AFC, the Bluebirds (or the Ziggers?? why? sadly due to the Zigger Zagger chant apparently) are based at Holker Street (Barrow in Furness), the ground not a long way from the very famous Vickers' Shipyards, where nuclear subs are constructed (under cover away from the spies). Note the badge below! The settlement was a village until coal, iron and then shipbuilding attracted investment, workers and so the Scots flooded over the border, bringing football with them. For the full story:https://thebeautifulhistory.wordpress.com/clubs/barrow/

Holker Street was previously a "dump" for the local railway and pieces of rubbish were often found emerging from under the pitch, I went to the shipyards with A Level Geography students on several occasions, very kindly hosted by the company, who gave us a very good insight to the works. I doubt this would be allowed under present circumstances, due to securityissues rather than Covid! They do/did? make nuclear submarines and tanks.

Elected to Division Three North in 1921, the club stayed there living "on the edge" until 1972 when they were replaced by Hereford United. 

The present record between Barrow and local rivals Carlisle is: Carlisle won 24, Barrow 21, Drawn 17

The first match was in 17th November 1928 in Division 3 North. 

30 years later in December 1958 the two met in the 4th Division December 1945. The two met in League Two from October 2020 and their latest meeting is today 10th April 2021, at Holker Street ending in a 2-2 draw. 

Their first match was on 17th November 1928 in Division 3 North. 30 years later in September 1958, the two met in the 4th Division. Then for 48 seasons Barrow was out of the FL and in non-league football in 2020.

 

Barrow presently lies 21/24 in the division and Carlisle 10/24 at the moment. There have been 4 FA Cup ties three times won by Barrow and one by Carlisle....lower rounds I reckon.

The main support of Carlisle United FC is found within and around the town itself itself, being the only professional football club for a long distance, It attracts fans from across the county of Cumbria, South West Scotland and parts of West Northumberland (get a map out). The club's supporters are known as the Blue Army of Brunton Park.

Carlisle's traditional rivals include Barrow and Workington FC, however the clubs have not featured in the English Football League since the 1970s and consequently competitive matches between the teams have been extremely rare. However, as Barrow got promoted for the 2020-21 season, matches are scheduled to take place, including today a 2-2 draw. 

Prior to 2008, Carlisle's nearest professional football club was Gretna Green FC, who at one time played in European football (UEFA Cup 2006-7; losing to Derry City in the first round)) qualifying for this having reached the final of the Scottish Cup. Gretna at the time was in the Scottish FL and therefore the chance of the two clubs meeting in competitive games remained highly unlikely. The Gretna Green club was eventually liquidated in 2008, with a new club forming Gretna 2008, now playing in the Scottish Lowland League.