A second successive Cumberland Cup Final for Penrith AFC and a first Final in 19 years for West Cumbria’s Cleator Moor Celtic FC should set up an open and exciting match at Carlisle United FC’s Brunton Park on Tuesday evening.

Date: Tuesday 8 May 2018 | Competition: Cumberland Cup | Final: Cleator Moor Celtic FC v Penrith AFC
Venue: Brunton Park, Carlisle | Kick Off: 7:00pm | Tickets: £2 Adult & £1 Concession
Match Officials | Referee: A Backhouse | Assistant Referees: G Airey and K Mulraine | 4th Official: J Halliday

With Cleator Moor Celtic FC knocking holders Workington AFC out at the semi-final stage of the competition (5-3 on penalties) and flying high in the TWR Wearside League, they’ll be coming into the final full of confidence.

Penrith AFC ensured their survival in the Ebac Northern League this week and will now be able to look ahead to Tuesday’s Final in a bid to lift their first Cumberland Cup since 2009-10.

Both finalists faced away trips in the first two rounds and had home advantage for the quarter-final and semi-final stages of the competition. Cleator Moor Celtic FC scored 29 goals and conceded two on their way to the final while Penrith AFC hit the net 15 times and conceded zero goals on their route to Brunton Park.

Penrith AFC are likely to be without their manager Kyle May (who lifted the Trophy for Workington AFC last season) following his freak injury against Stockton Town FC recently. Our very best wishes go to Kyle for a speedy recovery.

The final will be refereed by English Football League Referee Anthony Backhouse. Backhouse, who started refereeing at the age of 14, was the first Cumbrian referee in more than 40 years to be added to the English Football League list. Ant also refereed the 2012/13 Cumberland Cup final.

During the half-time interval, Cumberland FA will be presenting the North West & Cumbria Motor Neurone Disease Association with a cheque for £4000. Inspired by former Carlisle United FC and Workington AFC player Tony Hopper’s brave battle with motor neurone disease, the money was raised from the Grassroots Football Community with donations taken at last year’s Cumberland FA Charter Standard Festival and at various other events throughout the season. Cumberland FA also made a donation. 

During half time there will also be a chance to look into the future, with the Under-7 teams of Cleator Moor Celtic Juniors FC and Penrith AFC Juniors playing an exhibition friendly on the Brunton Park pitch. Two mini pitches will be set up to give the youngsters a taste of the action and give the spectators an opportunity to see the fantastic work that goes on in grassroots football at local FA Charter Standard Youth Clubs. 

Ball boys and girls will be provided by local FA Charter Standard Club Carlisle Centurions.

Brunton Park also plays host to the Women’s County Cup Final on Friday 11 May and the Sunday Cup Final on Sunday 13 May, while the Youth County Cup Finals will be hosted by Carlisle City FC at Gillford Park on the County Cup Weekender.

Click HERE to see the results from Cumberland FA’s County Cup competitions.

Follow us on Twitter @CumberlandFA for updates on local football news – and to follow the Cumberland Cup Final as we’ll be posting regular updates #CumberlandCupFinal2018