A tale of two penalties ...
It was a tale of two penalties at the Lamex on Saturday afternoon but United will feel that justice was served as they set a new club record with another gritty and determined display.The 14-game unbeaten start to the league season is now a standalone record and it's much deserved from a side which just won't lie down.
Stevenage saw plenty of the early ball but a run from Adams, following a flick from Wyke in midfield, gave United their first foray forward of the day. The wide man was pushed to a tight angle and his cross lifted into the side netting.
A huge ball forward followed from Gillesphey and it brought a good touch from Ibehre which gave Wyke space to work in. He spread it to Jason Kennedy but his delivery was blocked. The clearance fell to Miller and his first time cross was met by a volley from Wyke. It was a good connection but just a yard too high.
Stevenage showed they had something to say when a long throw from Lee on the quarter hour earned a near post flick which brought Cowans into play. He managed to get there with a header but it lacked power and Gillespie gathered it comfortably.
The Cumbrians took the lead on 16 minutes when Tom Miller launched one of his trademark throws into the area. Raynes flicked it, as did Kennedy, and a goalmouth scramble followed as Ibehre and Wyke had close range efforts blocked by excellent keeping from Jamie Jones. His heroics were made to count for nothing as Jason Kennedy arrived late to poke it over the line.
It got scrappy in the centre of the park as both teams worked hard but another long throw routine, this time from Grainger, had Stevenage in trouble once again. The first delivery was cleared and the second one had to be defended as Ibehre lurked.
Stevenage were handed a gift ahead of the break when Tom Miller was judged to have pulled a shirt as a corner went long. Matt Godden stepped up to take the penalty and he confidently drilled it into the roof of the net.
Godden almost handed his side the lead when a long ball was nodded into the ground inside the United box. It seemed to sit unattended for an age until the goal scorer spun on his toes to strike it. Gillespie was well placed to make the save as the ball flew straight at him.
Carlisle started the second half on the attack and a two-touch spin from Kennedy just inside the Stevenage half gave him time to make a decision. He spotted Wyke on a run and the pass gave the striker room to turn. He took a touch but he pulled his shot wide.
The Cumbrians edged back in front when Wilkinson jumped high to challenge for a looping cross. Raynes went down under the clumsy tangle and Danny Grainger made it four goals in four games as he smashed the spot kick into the back of the net.
Charlie Wyke had Jones on his toes with a dipping header as United stayed foward, but Stevenage went close at the other end when Lee beat the offside trap. His grasscutting cross just needed a touch but Raynes and Miller converged to close the space and make a vital block.
It was tense and tight through the remainder of the game, with neither side finding much more than half chances, and Mark Gillespie was on hand to sweep up every time Stevenage did manage to find a way through.
There was a late chance for Asamaoh, as Lambe and Adams took their time before crossing, but it was job done as they kept their shape and their heads to claim their win and their impressive club record.
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Goals
Stevenage - Godden (44 pen)
Carlisle United - Kennedy (17), Grainger (57 pen)
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Bookings
Stevenage - Jones (17), Ntlhe (69), B Kennedy (70), McKirdy (90)
Carlisle United - Kennedy (31), Grainger (39), T Miller (43), Adams (45), Gillespie (90), Brisley (90)
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Teams
Stevenage - Jones, King, Franks, Wilkinson, B Kennedy (McKirdy 70), Gorman (Pett 70), Lee, Cowans, Godden (Tonge 84), Henry, Ntlhe. Subs - Day, Fox, Schumacher, Wells.
Carlisle United - Gillespie, T Miller, Raynes, Gillesphey, Grainger (Brisley 84), J Kennedy, Joyce, Jones, Adams, Ibehre (Asamoah 85), Wyke (Lambe 68). Subs - Crocombe, Ellis, Devitt, McKee.
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Referee - Mr Nicholas Kinseley
Attendance - 2,720 (447 away fans)
