Sebastian Stockbridge will take charge of Carlisle United's crucial clash with Salford City.

The experienced referee has been appointed to the game which could see the Blues seal a play-off place.

Stockbridge is no stranger to Carlisle or Brunton Park having refereed the Cumbrians on a host of occasions over the years.

The Tyne & Wear official will now preside over a huge game in the promotion pushes of both United and Salford.

Stockbridge last encountered the Blues last October when he took charge of their 2-0 Papa John's Trophy defeat at Barrow - his duties including stopping the game for a period after a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the home end.

Before that, he refereed their 2-0 home defeat to Harrogate Town in November 2021.

In the last ten years he has been in charge of 22 United games in league and cup, with Carlisle winning ten of those, drawing three and losing eight.

He last came across Salford in February for their 1-1 home draw with Harrogate Town. In seven encounters with the Ammies, he has never refereed a Salford win.

Stockbridge has refereed 32 games this season in the EFL, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Papa John's Trophy.

In that time he has issued 94 yellow cards and four red cards.

On Saturday his assistants will be Steven Rushton and Chris Isherwood, with the fourth official Andy Haines.