 On 18 February, Carlisle again defeated higher league opposition as they beat Shrewsbury Town 2–1 at Gay Meadow to reach the area final.In the area final first-leg held on 18 March, Carlisle again defeated second division opposition by winning 2–0 against Stockport County.A 0–0 draw in the reverse tie one week later handed the Cumbrians a 2–0 aggregate win to hand them a place in the final against Colchester United.