Cumbrians get chance to take top flight scalp

Aug 30 2009 Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE and Sunderland have both been handed tricky ties in the third round of the Carling Cup.

In yesterday lunchtime’s draw, the Black Cats were drawn against Premier League rivals Birmingham City at home, while United must travel to fellow Championship outfit Peterborough United.

Meanwhile, Carlisle United – who saw off Bristol City in the last round, host Premier League strugglers Portsmouth.

The Cumbrian outfit will no doubt fancy their chances against troubled Pompey, who despite the off-the-field woes, still boast several big-name stars.

But it will be a long midweek trek for the top-flight side, and Greg Abbott’s men were will be sure to give them a tough test of their credentials.

Manchester United begin their defence of the Carling Cup with a home tie against fellow Premier League club Wolves.