split between north and south sections, with the winners of each area meeting in the competition final. Carlisle United League Two club Carlisle United entered the competition in the first round in the northern section of the draw where they met Oldham Athletic. Carlisle took an early lead as Karl Hawley opened the scoring after five minutes. They held the lead for more than 70 minutes until Andy Liddell converted a penalty to equalise for Oldham. The match proceeded to extra-time before requiring a penalty shoot-out with the score remaining 1–1. The first 11 penalties were all successfully converted until Oldham's Mark Hughes failed to score, handing Carlisle victory. In the second round, Carlisle defeated Blackpool 2–1, with all three goals being scored in a five-minute period. Gary Harkins gave Blackpool the lead after 62 minutes only for Carlisle to equalise one minute later through Hawley. Four minutes later, Carlisle took the lead through Derek Holmes and held on to secure victory. In the area quarter-final, Carlisle again required a penalty shoot-out to advance. Drawn against Tranmere Rovers, the two sides played 90 minutes and extra-time without scoring. In the ensuing shoot-out, 21 consecutive penalties were scored, with all 22 players on the field at the time taking a spot kick. The shoot-out eventually ended when Tranmere goalkeeper Steve Wilson missed his penalty to hand Carlisle the win. The side progressed to the area final by defeating Kidderminster Harriers through a single goal by Glenn Murray. Carlisle met Macclesfield Town in the area final and fell behind in the first leg when Andrew Smart gave Macclesfield the lead with his first goal in professional football. Hawley equalised for Carlisle soon afterwards, scoring his third goal of the competition. In the final minute, Carlisle defender Peter Murphy gave his side the home victory after converting from a corner kick. Carlisle's advantage lasted only four minutes of the second leg as Andrew Teague tied the score 2–2 on aggregate. Midway through the first half, Matty McNeil gave Macclesfield the lead before Hawley tied the game for Carlisle shortly before half-time. The second half remained goalless, requiring extra-time for the third match of Carlisle's competition. After 109 minutes, Simon Grand gave Carlisle the lead. With the away goals rule in effect, Macclesfield required two goals to advance. Kevin Townson pulled a goal back in the final minute of the game but Carlisle ultimately