Carlisle United promoted to League One after beating Stockport County on penalties
They beat Stockport County 5-4 on penalties in the play-off final
Last updated 28th May 2023
Carlisle United have been promoted to League One after their play-off final victory against Stockport today.
Jon Mellish's own goal in the first half saw the Cumbrians lead before Omari Patrick's late equaliser meant it finished 1-1.
The game was sent into extra-time and a shootout where Carlisle prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
It follows a remarkable turn of fortune for the club over the past 18 months following the return of manager, and hometown hero, Paul Simpson.
He'd famously managed the club in 2004 where he guided them straight back into League Two after they'd been relegated the previous season to non-league football.
He didn't stop there though, guiding Carlisle to back to back promotions and securing them promotion to League One football the following year.
He returned for his second spell at Brunton Park in February 2022, with the club facing down the barrel of relegation, sitting 23rd in the league.
Just 14 months on, and to choruses of 'We've got Simpson, Super Paul Simpson' he's done it again, and secured his third promotion while at the helm of Carlisle United.
Carlisle will now play in the Sky Bet League One during the 2023/24 season, meanwhile Stockport will remain in League Two for another year.
Both divisions start on the first weekend in August.