Carlisle United picked up a crucial three points against Forest Green Rovers in a 3-1 win at the New Lawn.
First-half strikes from Stephen Wearne, Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye saw the Blues lead by three at the break, with Jay Mingi grabbing a goal for the hosts in the second half, but United remained resolute to see out the victory.
United flew into an 11th-minute lead through Wearne after Luke Armstrong had pressed high to steal the ball from Abraham Kanu, then squared it to the Blues attacker to slot home from six yards out.
The hosts looked to respond with Jili Buyabu firing a shot from range over Gabe Breeze’s crossbar.
A neat turn in midfield from Elliot Embleton allowed him the space to slide in Ajiboye on the edge of the penalty area, who beat a defender and shot high over the bar.
The Blues had a second in the 22nd minute when Embleton’s delivery from the left flank was flicked on by Ajiboye for Feeney to nod past
It was three, seven minutes later through Ajiboye, who drove forwards from his own half, going past multiple defenders before lifting the ball over Harry Isted with a deft left-footed finish.
The Green tried to kick-start any form of response with the United defence alert to block Josh Osude’s effort and close out the half.
HALF-TIME: Forest Green Rovers 0–3 Carlisle United
Breeze had to remain strong to collect Kyle McAlister’s whipped strike, which deflected viciously towards the Blues’ goal.
Robbie Savage’s side pulled one back in the 52nd minute through Mingi, who fired past Breeze from close range after a Ricardo Rees header fell to him inside the penalty area.
Armstrong found space to unleash a drive shot from the edge of the area, which Isted palmed out to Ajiboye, who sliced wide.
Osude showed his pace to get down the left and cross for Rees to glance his header wide.
Forest Green were growing into the game with McAlister’s thunderous strike saved by Breeze before Osude fired over.
Breeze pulled off an outstanding reaction save to deny Gabe Kircough’s fierce strike before the Blues scrambled the ball away from danger.
Armstrong sent an effort over the crossbar after the ball broke to Ajiboye, and he laid the ball off to the United striker.
Tom Knowles attempted to make an impact for the Green, driving across the pitch and dragging a shot wide of the mark.
Forest Green piled on the pressure throughout nine minutes of added time, but the Blues stood strong to hold on.
FULL-TIME: Forest Green Rovers 1–3 Carlisle United
Teams:
Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Mendy, McAllister, Haughton (Osude 25), Clarke (Kircough 46), Campbell, Buyabu, Nwoko, Kanu (Mingi 46), Rees, Ahmed (Knowles 57)
Unused subs: Pagel, Kengni Kuemo, Babalola
Carlisle United: Breeze, Feeney, Ajiboye (Parker 86), Galvin, Embleton (Thomas 65), Wearne (Ellis 78), Gilliead, Williams (Harper 86), Mugabi, Armstrong, Macadam
Unused subs: Mair, Wyke, Conn-Clarke
Goals:
Forest Green Rovers – N/A
Carlisle United – (Wearne 11) (Feeney 22) (Ajiboye 29)
Yellow cards:
Forest Green Rovers – (Haughton 6) (Kircough 89)
Carlisle United – (Williams 39) (Feeney 66) (Ellis 90)
Red cards:
Forest Green Rovers – N/A
Carlisle United – N/A
Match officials:
Referee - Carl Brook
Assistant Referee 1 - David Middleton
Assistant Referee 2 - Thomas Holden
Fourth Official - Ben Robinson
Attendance:
2353 (431)
