By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Hoppy on Tour Carlisle City vs Kendal Town

Carlisle City beat Cumbrian rivals

Carlisle City got their 2026-27 Northern League Division One season off to a flying start with a 3-1 home win over fellow Cumbrian side Kendal Town.

The hosts only took one point from this opposition last term, but took the early bragging rights thanks to Rob McCartney’s 34th minute opener, a second from Henry Walker and Jordan Little’s penalty ten minutes from time.

Charlie McGladdery gave The Mintcakes some hope while pulling one back midway through the second half, but the former Holker Old Boys man’s goal proved to be no more than a consolation.

READ MORE: Northern League: 2-1 home win for Carlisle City

McCartney had a chance to double his tally for the afternoon, but his second half penalty was saved by Matt Bailey in the visiting goal.

The Sky Blues will hope to build on this result and improve on last season’s 15th placed finish, while Matt Flynn’s Kendal side will look to push on after narrowly missing out on the playoffs in seventh position.

Both sides are on the road in midweek, with Kendal playing Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday followed by Carlisle’s trip to Whickham on Wednesday night.

Narrow loss for Penrith

Penrith started the season with a defeat, losing 1-0 on home soil to Easington Colliery.

A minute’s applause was held by staff, players and the 333 in attendance at Frenchfield Park, in honour of Penrith’s late chairman, Billy Williams, who passed away last week.

On the pitch, Liam Adamson’s long range effort just before the break was enough to wrap up the three points for the visitors.

Huge thanks to everyone who attended today, paying their respects and remembering our much loved chairman Billy Williams. 💙#bonnyblues pic.twitter.com/DOpZWQwS7p

— Penrith_AFC (@penrith_afc) July 25, 2026

Penrith are back in action on Tuesday night at home to Blyth Town. Last season’s 12th placed finish represents a jump of five positions year-on-year, and Penrith’s highest league finish since the 2016-17 season.

A fitting tribute to Billy Williams before kick off here at Penrith, with Easington captain Reece Kenney adding flowers to the floral tribute.

Our thoughts are with everyone at Penrith and Billy's family. pic.twitter.com/mHDxqLDWBG

— Easington Colliery AFC (@Official_ECAFC) July 25, 2026

Northern League Division One results

• Blyth Town 6-0 Birtley Town
• Carlisle City 3-1 Kendal Town
• Horden Community Welfare 2-1 Crook Town
• Marske United 1-1 Whickham
• Newcastle Blue Star 2-3 Redcar Town
• Newton Aycliffe 1-1 North Shields
• Penrith 0-1 Easington Colliery
• Thornaby 0-2 Bishop Auckland
• Whitley Bay 2-2 Northallerton Town
• Yarm & Eaglescliffe 2-1 Newcastle Benfield

READ NEXT: Kendal Town make it 4 wins on the bounce