Paul Huntington grabbed the only goal of the game to give Carlisle United a Boxing Day win over Bradford City. The former Preston North End centre-back got his second League Two goal of the season, and The Cumbrians are now up to fourth in the table.
The Cumbrian Cannavaro has impressed this season, leading from the back, in a three man defence. His last season at Preston only resulted in one game which was his farewell appearance at home to Middlesbrough. Now 35 he’s showing he still has plenty to give for his hometown club.
The likeable, experienced and commanding defender is an ideal player to have in a side who are looking to push for promotion after a strong first half to the season. Another former Preston player Jack Armer has nailed down the left-wing back role in the side, and the Preston connections don’t stop there at Brunton Park.
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Paul Simpson is back at Carlisle for his second spell with the club, and he is looking to take them up from League Two for the second time in his career. He had consecutive promotions with them in 2005 and 2006 before landing the Preston job. Despite a promising start, he was sacked a few months into his second season at Deepdale.
On St Stephen’s Day, Huntington’s header from a corner was enough to sink Mark Hughes’ Bradford side, in front of a season high crowd of 8,296 fans. He would have enjoyed it even more scoring against The Bantams as a former Leeds United player.
It’s always interesting to watch the career’s of former North Enders after they have departed, to see how they are getting on, and some go with better wishes than others. Huntington is certainly at the top of that list in recent times. The defender gave us many great memories, particularly that day at Wembley, and his dedication to the cause could never be doubted. It’s great to see him having such a big impact at Carlisle now.