Having played, rather infamously, in 1974 and then as recently as 2014, Sunderland and Carlisle United are no strangers to FA Cup meet ups. The clubs were even drawn against each other for two years running
in 1994 and 1995, with both ties having to be settled via replays at Brunton Park – the first instance of which took place on this day.
A hard-fought draw earlier in the month On This Day (8 January 1994): Buxton’s Boys look to avenge Stokoe’s Stars | Roker Report meant the sides had to do it all again in Cumbria, where heavy rain and a rapid frost thaw had left the pitch in a less than ideal condition. Nevertheless, referee Roger Dilkes was happy for the match to start having carried out an inspection earlier in the day, although the arrival of strong winds come kick-off did make the already difficult conditions even more tricky to cope with.
The weather proved to be a factor in not only the game itself, but Mick Buxton’s team selection also; young forward Craig Russell had picked up a knock at the weekend during Sunderland’s game against Middlesbrough, and having taken the playing surface into consideration the manager felt that Lee Howey’s more physical approach would be better suited. Howey was on a high anyway having scored the header that had settled the Wear Tees clash, and with Don Goodman and Gordon Armstrong already sidelined through injury the last thing the squad needed was to lose Russell for a period by forcing him into a prolonged slog on a mud bath.
Russell was instead brought on to see out Sunderland’s passage into the next round having just seen them take the lead, although it had been a long time coming admittedly. Despite Carlisle’s Division Three status they dominated the first half, and having already given the Lads a scare on Wearside they looked a decent bet going into the break. Simon Davey and David Reeves both looked dangerous, whilst Rod Thomas was also a threat, but they were unable to find a breakthrough and as time marched on the visitors came on strong.
Since Buxton had replaced Terry Butcher in November Sunderland had only lost twice, and their new found resilience meant the Blues eventually ran out of steam before being forced to sit back. A quality move involving Gary Owers, Richard Ord and Phil Gray led to a period of pressure after an hour and ten minutes later Gray came within a fraction of scoring having been put through by Brian Atkinson. Still, it needed extra time before the crucial goal, with Howey sweeping an Ord knockdown from a Martin Smith corner into the net to send the away support behind the goal wild.
The 4,000 or so travelling fans made up around a third of the total attendance, and a number of them ended up on the pitch amidst the celebrations. His decision to pick Howey vindicated, Buxton brought Russell on shortly after the action had recommenced – meaning that the ‘Jarra Arra’ could now run at a tired defence in the closing stages and look to keep possession well away from his own goal. The tactic worked a treat and whilst it might have been a grind at times it was enough to give Sunderland their first FA Cup victory over Carlisle, who 20 years earlier had been the ones to bring their defence of the trophy to an abrupt end.
Tuesday 18 January 1994
FA Cup 3rd round replay
Carlisle United 0
Sunderland 1 (Howey 101’)
After extra time
Sunderland: Chamberlain; Owers, Bennett, Melville, Ord; Atkinson (Russell 106’), Ferguson, Ball, Smith; Howey, P. Gray Unused: Norman, Ma. Gray
Brunton Park, attendance 12 771
