Former Blues go head to head in Wembley play-off final
Former Carlisle players Joe Garner, left, and Jack Bridge, right, meet in today's National League play-off final (Image: Barbara Abbott / Richard Parkes)
Two former Carlisle United players go head to head at Wembley today - for the right to avoid facing the Blues next season.
The National League play-off final sees Oldham Athletic and Southend United compete for a place back in the EFL.
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The outcome will complete the line-up of Carlisle's opponents in the 2025/26 season.
And there are familiar faces on both sides as the respective clubs bid to escape the fifth tier.
For Oldham, striker Joe Garner is making a second Wembley appearance in the space of three years.
The veteran frontman was in the United XI that started 2023's League Two play-off final victory over Stockport County.
Now he is set for a key role in the National League final, having played a significant part in Oldham's run to Wembley.
Garner, who had four spells with Carlisle, has scored in both the Latics' play-off games to this point.
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He netted in their 4-0 eliminator victory over FC Halifax Town.
And then the 37-year-old scored to set Micky Mellon's side on their way to a 3-0 win at York City in the play-off semi-final.
Garner's four league goals this season have all come at the business end as Oldham eye a return to the EFL after a three-year absence.
The frontman left Carlisle to join the Boundary Park club in January 2024, at the end of his fourth United spell.
In total since 2006, Garner scored 33 goals for the Blues in 120 appearances.
Standing in his and Oldham's way is a Southend side that includes former Blues midfielder Jack Bridge.
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The 29-year-old has already had a significant impact on the Shrimpers' play-off run so far.
He came off the bench to scored their extra-time equaliser at Forest Green Rovers that forced a 2-2 draw and a penalty shoot-out.
And Bridge was among the players to convert from the spot as Kevin Maher's side progressed to the final.
Bridge had also started Southend's 4-3 eliminator win over Rochdale to boost the club's bid to return to the EFL after four years in the fifth tier.
The midfielder was on Carlisle's books from 2019-2020, making 35 appearances and scoring three goals.
Oldham are 6/4 favourites to win the final with Southend 15/8.
Kick-off is 3pm.
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