One of the biggest occasions in Carlisle United's history is 70 years old today.

The Blues' FA Cup Third Round tie with Arsenal was one of the most momentous encounters the club had seen.

After a brilliant performance by Bill Shankly's Third Division North side secured a 0-0 draw at Highbury - after which United returned to Cumbria to a huge heroes' welcome - the Gunners headed to Brunton Park for the replay on January 11, 1951.

It attracted an attendance of 21,215 as fans packed into United's stadium to watch Shankly's team take on the cup holders, who were managed by Tom Whittaker.

The game produced a valiant performance by the Blues, with winger Billy Hogan - star of the Highbury encounter - again prominent.

Arsenal, though, eventually went in front when Reg Lewis headed past Jim McLaren, the goalkeeper whose exploits in London had played a major part in earning the replay.

But the Blues fought back superbly and equalised in the 37th minute, when Hogan's darting run saw Phil Turner have a shot saved, Alex McCue then pouncing on the rebound to fire the ball home.

The stadium erupted and it was little more than was deserved by a United side for whom Geoff Twentyman and Paddy Waters were influential.

A controversial moment then came just before half-time when a Hogan shot appeared to be tipped away by the hand of Arsenal full-back Walley Barnes, but this went unpunished by referee Rogers.

Carlisle had their sights on an astonishing upset but Arsenal got back in front after the break, Jimmy Logie flicking the ball home after a scramble.

Lewis then made it three when his header squirmed over the line and Peter Goring added another late on to complete a 4-1 away victory.

United, then, were denied a supreme result - but it had still been an occasion to remember and is a tie that will always be a major part of the Blues' folklore.

It was the subject of a book written in 2014 by Martin Daley, 'The Day We Went To Arsenal' (DB Publishing) and in it, the author quotes the great Shankly's closing words.

"Nobody can dispute that we put up a wonderful show in both matches," he said. "The team that beat us is one of the most formidable in the game and have been for 20 years."