Forest Green Rovers fell to their third consecutive defeat as Carlisle United ran out 3–1 winners yesterday evening.
The Cumbrians raced into a three-goal lead by half-time with goals from Stephen Wearne, Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye.
Rovers pulled one back early in the second half through Jay Mingi following a set-piece situation.
Despite seeing plenty of the ball and creating opportunities after the break, the hosts were unable to break down a well-organised Carlisle side.
First Half
Rovers and Carlisle walked out in front of the DAZN cameras on a chilly Saturday afternoon in February, with both sides looking to secure third spot in the Enterprise National League.
Carlisle started the brighter of the two teams after a scrappy opening ten minutes. Stephen Wearne was left with a simple finish after pressure from Luke Armstrong forced a mistake at the back. Armstrong squared the ball to Wearne, who made no mistake in putting the visitors ahead inside the opening 15 minutes.
Twelve minutes later, Carlisle doubled their lead. Captain Morgan Feeney headed past Harry Isted after Rovers failed to make first contact in the box from a cross.
Rovers boss Robbie Savage made an early change on 27 minutes, with Nick Haughton replaced by new arrival Josh Osude.
Just seven minutes later, Rovers fell further behind as David Ajiboye scored a brilliant solo goal. The winger ran nearly three-quarters of the pitch, beating four Rovers players before calmly slotting past Isted.
Half-time: Forest Green Rovers 0–3 Carlisle United
Second Half
Rovers emerged with renewed intent after the break, with Savage making two further changes at half-time. Gabe Kricough and Jay Mingi replaced Abraham Kanu and Jayden Clarke.
Mingi made an immediate impact, scoring in the 51st minute from a set-piece following a foul near the touchline on Jili Buyabu. After McAllister delivered a free-kick from a wide position, Rees headed the ball across goal and Mingi guided it past Breeze.
Josh Osude caused problems for the Carlisle defence with his pace, getting beyond his marker on several occasions. On 57 minutes, he delivered a teasing cross for Ricardo Rees, but the Welshman was unable to keep his effort on target.
McAllister forced Gabriel Breeze into a good save on 69 minutes following a good switch of play from Fulham loanee Chibby Nwoko. Osude was unable to capitalise on the rebound, sending his effort over the bar. Substitute Gabe Kricough later saw a shot well blocked after a scramble in the penalty area.
Carlisle defended resolutely in the closing stages, using their experience to slow the game down and frustrate Rovers, who ultimately slipped to a third successive league defeat.
Savage’s men now have a week to prepare for another tough test away to fellow play-off rivals Boreham Wood, who are also enduring a difficult run of form.
Full-time: Forest Green Rovers 1–3 Carlisle United
Forest Green Rovers: Isted, Mendy ©, McAllister, Haughton (Osude ’26), Clarke (Mingi 46’), Campbell, Buyabu, Nwoko, Kanu (Kircough ’46), Rees, Ahmed (Knowles ’57).
Subs not used: Pagel, Babalola, Kengni.
Carlisle United: Breeze, Feeney ©, Ajiboye (Parker ’86), Galvin, Embleton (Thomas ’65), Wearne (Ellis ’78), Gilliead, Williams (Harper ’86), Mugabi, Armstrong, Macadam.
Subs not used: Mair, Conn-Clarke, Wyke.
Attendance: 2353 (Away Supporters: 431)
