Carlisle's rise to the First Division for the one and only time in their history saw a typically nailbiting finale, but it should not be forgotten how impressive the Blues were at various stages in that historic promotion campaign.

The Blues reeled off 20 victories from 42 games in their ninth consecutive season in the second tier, finding momentum when it most mattered.

Despite losing four of their opening six games, Alan Ashman’s side hit serious form through autumn and winter and come their encounter with Swindon in late March 1974 they were extremely well placed for a promotion charge in a tight table.

Swindon were bringing up the rear at the foot of the Second Division yet manager Ashman was advising caution, insisting that a “relaxed attitude” rather than cranking up the pressure was the way to go.

The Blues were without injured midfielder Mike Barry for the Robins’ visit but all signs pointed to Ashman’s calm approach being the right one - for his team swept aside their guests courtesy of a rare four-goal blast from a United striker.

That man was Frank Clarke, who had joined in the summer from Ipswich and was the eldest of five brothers who carved out Football League careers, Leeds legend Allan the most renowned.

On this particular afternoon, Frank was simply too hot for Swindon. It took him just two minutes to give Ashman’s team the advantage, finding a gap in the penalty box with a half-volley which soared into the net following an early Blues corner.

It was a mark of the confidence flowing through United’s leading goalscorer and there was little let-up from a side who continued putting together incisive attacks against the men from Wiltshire, the only team in the division without an away victory to their name.

Peter Eastoe flashed a shot wide as Swindon tried to mount a fightback but United’s own pressure was irresistible, Dennis Martin, Joe Laidlaw, Chris Balderstone, Bobby Owen and Clarke making regular progress.

On 11 minutes, left-back John Gorman joined in the fun, beating two men before finding Martin. His low cross was met by Clarke and he whipped his second home from close range.

The only surprise was that there were no further goals before half-time. At United’s end, Allan Ross saved superbly from Dave Syrett while, for Carlisle, Peter Carr’s cross struck the crossbar, Owen and Clarke foiled by keeper Jimmy Allan.

After the break Carlisle’s vibrant attacking resumed, with Clarke scenting a hat-trick, yet it was Laidlaw who got their third, reacting quicker than defender John Trollope to head home after Allan had parried Martin’s shot.

Martin continued to menace Swindon down the left, Ray Train and Les O’Neill also finding gaps in their defence. The fourth came in the 69th minute, this time Clarke taking full advantage when Eastoe handled Laidlaw’s corner. The striker blasted the penalty past Allan for his first Blues treble.

Even then, United did not temper their intent. Clarke went close with an overhead kick and then did grab his fourth on 76 minutes, tapping in after Allan had saved Laidlaw’s diving header.

The only blot on an emphatic day was Swindon’s consolation goal two minutes from time, Syrett slotting home after robbing Balderstone, but that hardly tarnished a superb 5-1 success for Ashman’s side, and nor did it halt Swindon’s journey to bottom spot and relegation.

It proved a champagne day for Clarke, who enjoyed further success when he drew Red Rum in the club’s Grand National sweep. Understandably he was bullish about United’s promotion chances, saying after the game: “Provided we can steer clear of injuries, particularly over the busy Easter holiday programme, I think we can make it.

“The performance against Swindon was a great team effort – I was in the right place to get the goals, but the real tribute must go to the other ten lads who made victory possible.”

It had taken Clarke to 15 goals, and though United did not necessarily gallop for home, losing their next two games, they did win four of their last five, Clarke and Laidlaw scoring on the final day to beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Brunton Park and claim the third promotion place.

It was not over yet, since they faced a nervous wait for rivals Orient to play their own last game six days later. Victory against Villa would have seen the Londoners leapfrog United, but a 1-1 draw was all they could muster – meaning Ashman’s bold Blues had, remarkably, hit the big time.

United: Ross, Carr, Gorman, O’Neill, Green, Balderstone, Martin, Train, Owen, F Clarke, Laidlaw. Not used: McCartney.

Swindon: Allan, Dixon, Trollope, McLaughlin, Potter, Stroud, Moss, Syrett, Eastoe, Butler, R Clarke (McGovern).

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