Carlisle United have come to the aid of Penrith AFC – by allowing them to use Brunton Park for an FA Vase tie.
And Carlisle City are also lending Penrith their ground for an FA Cup fixture.
Penrith say they hugely appreciate the gestures from both clubs at a time their own ground is out of action as they have a new artificial pitch laid.
The Northern League Division One club are not due to play a home league game until late September.
But draws in both the FA Cup and the Vase handed them home ties in August.
They will now take on Boro Rangers on August 5 in the Cup’s extra preliminary round at Carlisle City’s Three Rivers Health & Safety Consultancy Stadium at Gillford Park – with City away from home at Whickham that weekend.
And their Vase first qualifying round game against Pickering Town will be at Brunton Park on August 26 - a day Carlisle United are away from home at Port Vale in League One.
Penrith chairman Brian Williams spoke of his gratitude to both Carlisle clubs.
“We are absolutely delighted both clubs have been able to understand our predicament and support us through it,” he told the News & Star.
“It’s very good for them to support us in that way and we really respect their help.”
Carlisle United spokesman Andy Hall said the Blues were only too happy to help the Bonny Blues.
"Our relationship with Penrith has grown stronger and stronger over the years and we are delighted to be able to help them out with their FA Vase fixture.
"We have trained at Penrith's facility, and used it for Central League Cup, Cumberland Cup, reserve and youth games.
"They have always been fantastic hosts, and we think it is brilliant that we can return the favour in this way."
Penrith’s Leo Group Stadium is undergoing major change this summer with their grass pitch being replaced by a new all-weather surface.
Williams said things are on schedule with the installation of the new surface.
“It’s a bit of a test for us financially – we’re going to be playing the first ten games away from home,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get through that and at the other end of it be a much stronger outfit.
Up to date process on our brand new pitch down at Frenchfield Park #bonnyblues @bbccumbriasport @CWHerald @theofficialnl pic.twitter.com/8HpFvz9qzf
— Penrith_AFC (@penrith_afc) July 5, 2023
“When I’m talking to the contractors on site, they’re maybe two or three days in front of the proposed time.
“We’ve been looking at the latter end of September for being ready. It’s been interesting to watch the whole set-up. The whole pitch is tarmac at the moment. We’ve had a few problems with the fence but other than that we’re all systems go.”
Penrith’s Northern League season gets under way with a trip to Whitley Bay this Saturday.
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