A look at some of the latest news and gossip from around Carlisle United’s division...

HOLLWAY LIVID AFTER ROBINS SLUMP

Ian Holloway branded Swindon Town’s first-half collapse “unforgivable” after the rock-bottom Robins lost 4-0 at Colchester United.

Swindon’s heavy defeat leaves them a point behind Carlisle United in the League Two relegation battle.

He said Swindon collapsed after conceding the first goal. "The energy that they got from it and the energy that we lost from it was unforgivable. Absolutely, totally unforgivable,” he told the Advertiser.

“Let's face it, we are in the mire right now and we deserve to be after that because the only word for it is unacceptable.”

HARROGATE SIGN EX-HATTER

Harrogate Town have made former Luton Town forward Admiral Muskwe their latest addition.

The free agent and Zimbabwe international has joined Simon Weaver’s squad on a short-term deal and was on the bench for Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Salford City.

Sulphurites head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry told the club website: “He’s impressed us in training with his physicality and we're excited to see what he can do.”

HUNTINGTON TARGETS LONGER DEAL

Paul Huntington made his first league start for Bradford City in their 1-1 draw with Barrow as he targets a longer stay at Valley Parade.

The veteran ex-Carlisle captain has made four appearances since joining the Bantams, having also started in Saturday’s FA Cup second round defeat to Morecambe.

“Really, the only thing that’s going to stop us going forward with him is how he is physically,” Bantams boss Graham Alexander told the Telegraph & Argus. “Can he do it Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday? That’s the question we’re going to ask and he’s going to have to answer.”

HOGAN’S CLUB RECORD GOAL

MK Dons set a club record when Scott Hogan scored after just 12 seconds in their 3-0 win over Chesterfield.

The in-form MK swept forward from kick-off as they netted their fastest ever goal.

 “It's a routine I've been working on for about two years now, and we've finally scored from it!” boss Scott Lindsey told the MK Citizen. “It was a great start.”

SADDLERS WANT TO KEEP STAR

Walsall want midfielder Jamie Jellis to stay amid reported interest from higher leagues.

Jellis has impressed since joining the Saddlers from Tamworth.

“Yes, we will,” replied boss Mat Sadler when asked by the Express & Star if Walsall would be looking to keep Jellis, who has scored five goals this term.

TOWN MAN HEADS TO IRELAND

Fleetwood Town midfielder Barry Baggley has departed in order to join Irish Premier Division side St Patrick’s Athletic.

An undisclosed fee has been paid to secure the deal, ending a six-year association with Fleetwood for Baggley.

“The club would like to thank Barry for all his efforts over the last six years, and wish him all the best in the future,” said a Fleetwood statement.

BARROW PROSPECT MOVES ON

Barrow have confirmed that B team player Charlie Weston has joined National League club Rochdale on a permanent deal.

The 20-year-old was previously on the academy books of Blackburn Rovers.

He had joined Barrow after a trial earlier this season and he made four first-team appearances for the Bluebirds.

EXILES BOSS ENCOURAGED

Newport County boss Nelson Jardim insisted it was an “excellent” point after his side scored an injury-time penalty to draw 2-2 at AFC Wimbledon.

Newport came from two goals down to earn a result in south London, four days before Carlisle United’s visit to Rodney Parade.

“We’ve shown character a number of times this season and we had to show that once again,” said Jardim. “It shows the culture we trying to build here. We keep going, keep improving and we look forward to Carlisle on Saturday.” 

EAGLES EYEING WINGER

Premier League club Crystal Palace are said to be interested in Chesterfield wide man James Berry.

The Deck reports that the Eagles are monitoring the League Two player.

ATtacker Berry has hit nine goals already this term, having joined the Spireites from Altrincham in 2023.

GILLS HOPE FOR BROMLEY BOOST

Gillingham boss Mark Bonner hopes for a lift when they take on Bromley tonight.

The trip to Hayes Lane will see the Gills look to bounce back from their recent home defeat to Harrogate Town.

“We're looking forward to it and hopefully there'll be an atmosphere that will really drive the players and we can get back on a winning run,” he said via Kent Online.

“Us selling out our tickets was a given, really. We could have sold out a few times with the amount of demand for people who wanted to come and watch it.”