Rovers moved up to second in Sky Bet League Two after a 1-0 victory over Carlisle United at the innocent New Lawn.

Head Coach Mark Cooper’s starting eleven remaining unchanged from the victory against Cambridge United and draw with Port Vale, while the bench saw a return for Jordan Moore-Taylor and Carl Winchester after recovering from injury.

Neither side looked like breaking the deadlock in a rather tense opening first half at the innocent New Lawn. Odin Bailey forged Rovers’ best opportunity within the opening few minutes, only to be denied by a deflection. The Birmingham City loanee raced through on goal after picking up the ball in space – but Aaron Hayden blocked the attempt.

Chris Beech’s outfit looked physical and up for the battle – forcing their way forwards at every opportunity. Josh Kayode was using his long throw ability to his advantage – and after some pinball in the box, a close-range effort was excellently stopped on the line by Rovers keeper Luke McGee.

United’s man between the sticks was managing to keep Carlisle in with a chance of getting something out of the match. Two excellent saves from Paul Farman, both from Aaron Collins’ attempts, saved the blushes of the Carlisle defenders who failed to stop the Welshman.

Despite remaining defensively resolute, the visitors very nearly conceded on the hour mark. Aaron Collins turned in the area surrounded by orange shirts – and saw his effort cannon off the upright, and away for a corner.

Forest Green grew into the encounter – and after minutes of pressure, Rovers eventually broke the deadlock. The ball bounced in the area after a cross into the box – and after a melee on the goal line, FGR’s lead marksman Jamille Matt squeezed the ball into the back of the net.

Forest Green XI: McGee, Bernard, Sweeney, Stokes, Adams, Collins (Winchester 90), Cadden, Matt, Bailey (Whitehouse 85), Godwin-Malife, Richardson

Unused subs: Thomas, Stevens, Moore-Taylor, Young, Wagstaff.

Carlisle United XI: Farman, Anderton, Hayden, Riley, Guy, Alessandra, Patrick (Reilly 79), Kayode, Armer, Toure, Bennett.

Unused subs: Norman, Hunt, Charters, Dixon, Furman, Obiero.

Referee: Alan Young

Man of the Match: Luke McGee