MATCH REPORT: Carlisle United 1-2 Forest Green Rovers

It was yet another home defeat for Carlisle as they handed Forest Green their first victory of the month.

Goals from Ben Morris and Carl Winchester for the visitors either side of the break saw them take all the points from this one. A late penalty reply from Jamie Devitt was only a consolation as the Brunton Park outfit buckled again.

It was an unchanged side for the hosts as John Sheridan put his faith in the XI who earned a 0-4 win last weekend; whereas Mark Cooper’s men were searching for a return to form.

It was far from the start that Sheridan will have hoped for though, with heavy Forest Green pressure – as they were first to ever second ball throughout the opening exchanges – resulted in Morris slotting home when Reece Brown played him through.

There was a slight resurgence following the goal from Carlisle but they failed to find any flow and were constantly forced back by some courageous away attacks. Few could complain about the scoreline at the interval.

It was a different kettle of fish in the latter half though as the Cumbrians got on the front foot. However, that did not stop The Green Devils doubling their lead. Big chances for Gary Liddle followed by Anthony Gerrard almost got their team back on the level terms – but when the resulting goal-kick isolated Liddle at the back, some neat play from Brown gave Winchester the opportunity to hit the back of the net; which he did with ease.

It was one-way traffic from then and when Devitt’s corner was whipped onto an away man’s hand, the referee (who had a contentious afternoon to say the least) pointed to the spot. The Irishman, who had missed his last penalty at home, smashed it into the side netting past James Montgomery to pull one back and set the game up for a tense finish.

Opportunities for Liddle and Jack Sowerby were the most notable occasions Carlisle came close when they upped the tempo but Forest Green weathered the storm to hold on; at least until added-time. A curling effort from inside the penalty area by Macauley Gillesphey agonisingly hit the post, which was almost converted by goalkeeper Adam Collin (who was up for the prior corner.)

Jeers rang around Brunton Park as even the core Cumbrians supporters lost patience. It was a vital three points for The Green Devils on the other hand, putting them four points clear of their opposition on the day – as the teams sit 11th & 10th respectively.

Attendance: 4,166 (116)

Home star man: Jack Sowerby

Away star man: Reece Brown

Referee: Carl Boyeson

words Nathan Ridley, D3D4 Carlisle United correspondent